Long Island Ducks manager Wally Backman was in Riverhead court Tuesday for the beginning of his harassment and criminal mischief trial.

The charges stem from an alleged dispute with his former live-in girlfriend Amanda Byrnes in August 2019.

"It was a jealousy rage. He's an alcoholic and he was heavily intoxicated from the night before," Byrnes told News 12 in August.

Prosecutors called Riverhead Town police officer Timothy Murphy to the stand Tuesday. Officer Murphy testified that when he responded to a 911 call at Byrnes' house, she had a cut on her left hand. The officer testified Byrnes said Backman threw her up against a wall, twisted her hand and prevented her from calling police.

Backman's lawyer tried to discredit that woman's claims.

"Every time a boyfriend realizes how crazy she is, they want to break up and leave, she won't let them leave. She steals the keys, the phone and calls the police," said William Keahon." It's going to come out that she has mental issues. She's been arrested 10 times, she has seven convictions, endangering the welfare of a minor."

Byrnes' attorney, John Ray, says she is not the one on trial.

"Amanda has an imperfect life, as we all do," said Ray. "She's not on trial for her imperfect life. Even imperfect people cannot be beaten. Even imperfect people cannot be assaulted nor in any way abused as she was."
Long Island Ducks President and General Manager Michael Pfaff came to court to show support for Backman.

"We believe in Wally's innocence and we feel that when he's been given his due process he'll be proven innocent," said Plaff.

The trial resumes Wednesday. Brynes is expected to take the stand at some point during the trial.

Backman was a member of the 1986 "Miracle Mets" – the team's last World Series championship.