MLB placed Mickey Callaway on its ineligible list through at least the entire 2022 season after concluding its investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, the league announced Wednesday.
Callaway, who served as Mets manager from 2018-19, was most recently the Los Angeles Angels pitching coach. The club announced they ended his employment shortly after MLB's announcement. The Athletic's Brittany Ghiroli and Katie Strang first reported on inappropriate behavior reportedly made by Callaway toward female reporters in February.
Manfred issued the following statement:
“My office has completed its investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Mickey Callaway. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Callaway violated MLB’s policies, and that placement on the Ineligible List is warranted.
"We want to thank the many people who cooperated with our Department of Investigations (DOI) in their work, which spanned Mr. Callaway’s positions with three different Clubs. The Clubs that employed Mr. Callaway each fully cooperated with DOI, including providing emails and assisting with identifying key witnesses.
"Harassment has no place within Major League Baseball, and we are committed to providing an appropriate work environment for all those involved in our game."
The Angels and Mets cooperated with the investigation, per MLB, as did the Cleveland Indians, where he was a coach from 2013-17. Callaway, 46, is immediately placed on the ineligible list and will remain there until the end of the 2022 postseason. He can then apply for reinstatement.
The Angels and Indians organizations each released statements immediately after MLB:
Today the #Angels released the following statement regarding Mickey Callaway. pic.twitter.com/0ERw3bGQYi
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) May 26, 2021
#Indians owner Paul Dolan releases statement with conclusion of Mickey Callaway investigation pic.twitter.com/eL6fPkcrgi
— Keith Britton (@KeithBritton86) May 26, 2021
Callaway reportedly send shirtless videos
Five women who covered or worked with Callaway spoke with The Athletic reporters early this year and described the behavior as "completely unrelenting" and "gross." They said he "preyed on women" and it was "the worst-kept secret in sports."
The Athletic reported that he made unwanted advances including sending shirtless videos of himself via text and requesting nude photos. He made comments on women's dress and appearance and reportedly stuck his crotch in one reporter's face during an interview.
The report included text exchanges of Callaway suggested reporters sleep nude, go out and "get drunk" with him and meet him in non-professional settings.
Callaway's lewd behavior reportedly widely known
In March, The Athletic reported that his behavior was widely known within the Cleveland and New York organizations. A former player said it dated back to at least 2010 in the minor leagues and intensified as he took on more power in higher positions.
Those interviewed said Callaway made inappropriate, sexualized comments about women, frequently spending time with them and even chatting up players' girlfriends in the stands. Via The Athletic:
"He made inappropriate, sexualized comments about women and pursued them relentlessly. He’d often ask fellow players “where’s the beef?” and indicate he was on the prowl for attractive women, the player said. (“Beef” is a term used within some MLB clubhouses to refer to women, particularly those who are not spouses or partners of players.)"
While coaching in Cleveland, coaches' wives reportedly raised concerns with their husbands over his behavior.
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