Former Yankees player Randolph disappointed team didn't hire him as infield coach

Willie Randolph is disappointed the Yankees didn't hire him to be their infield coach.

The 60-year-old former second baseman said so during a phone interview Monday, a day after the Yankees passed him up for the opening in favor of Joe Espada. Randolph was reportedly interviewed for the job by the Yankees earlier this month, but was informed by GM Brian Cashman last week he wouldn't be getting it.

"I was disappointed because I wanted that opportunity to come back to the team that I love and help them get back to a world championship, like I've always done," Randolph told ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand. "Anytime you put your name in the pot for a job like this, you hope that you get it. So when it doesn't happen, you are a little disappointed."

It would be understandable if Randolph was upset about being rejected by the Yankees, seeing as he's spent 24 of his 36 years in baseball with them. 

He played for the Yankees from 1976-1988, and was their bench coach from 1994-2004. During his 13 seasons on the field with New York, Randolph hit .275 with 48 home runs and 549 RBI, including a .305 batting average in 1987.

He said he was the one who initiated the interview with the Yankees, and wants to work in the game again.

"I'm always doing my due diligence," Randolph said. "I'm always trying to make everyone aware that I would like another opportunity [to get] back in the game that I love."

Randolph left the Yankees in 2005 to manage the Mets, who would fire him four years later after the club missed the playoffs. He then served as the bench coach of the Brewers from 2009-2010 before occupying multiple positions with the Orioles in 2011. 

He hasn't worn a uniform since, but said he would like to return to managing someday.