Former Binghamton Mets General Manager Has Died

Binghamton baseball has lost one of its favorite former members of leadership.

Bill "Terk" Terlecky, who was the General Manager of the Binghamton Mets from 2001 to 2004, has passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.  Terlecky, who was 65, also served as a Special Advisor to team president Michael Urda in 2005 and 2006 according to information supplied by the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

Terlecky was most recently the general manager of the North Shore Navigators in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League in Lynn, Massachusetts.

In 2003, Terlecky was named as the winner of the Frank Cashen Award, which is given to the top executive in the New York Mets organization. He spent 41 years in baseball executive roles.

Terlecky started in professional baseball in 1978 when he was hired by the Rochester Red Wings, the top affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. "Terk" assumed the role of co-general manager of the Red Wings in 1981.  He also served as general manager of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons and oversaw the Triple-A All-Star Game in 1995 which was hosted by the Red Barons.

During his tenure in Binghamton, Terlecky was a popular figure around the area and at NYSEG Stadium.  His friendly demeanor endeared him to many fans.  Early arrivals at the ball park could often see him watering flowers all around the stadium.  He would emcee many awards presentations prior to and during games, would pinch-hit when a stadium PA announcer was needed and his voice could often be heard on sponsor recorded spots aired on the team's radio broadcasts.

Bill's son, Tyler, was often seen around the ball park and and attended many Binghamton Mets games.  He also attended Binghamton High School and was a starting infielder on the Patriots' baseball team.

According to information in his obituary, donations in Bill Terlecky's memory may be made to his "Little Pals" at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.