He climbed to the pinnacle with the New York Yankees, who discarded him because they thought he was too old.   The Mets, a brand new team in NYC, asked him to be their first manager because they new he still had charisma and could make a team of castaways and aging former stars into a team that people would enjoy. He proved himself again and again.   Yes, the Mets were just as important to the Old Professor because they gave him the opportunity.

Casey also said ""I always heard it couldn't be done, but sometimes it don't always work."    Sort of like some people on this Mudcat thread.