Ultimate Mets Database - Memories of Bobby Valentine

Super K
Bobby is the best! He's a player's manager, and I think it's obvious that the team is fond of him, and so are real Mets fans, the people who care about the team, the players and not just sound bites taken out of context. Also, maybe some people only want to debate every decision and make comparisons, but no one can deny this: Bobby is as excited to be out there as any member of the team, and the game is not just a job to him. He's not jaded, and if that means he's not some "professional" with a tie and briefcase in the dugout, I'd rather have him any day.

goreking
January 16, 2001
I am sick of everyone bashing a really good manager! This guy wins, people! His self-confidence is obnoxious, no doubt there. But, his teams win (often...like last year...with rookies and pasted together pitching rotations and bullpens). So, let's give ol' Bobby a break already. I mean...he's not managing the Yankees here...

Matt
January 20, 2001
three months later, I still have nothing but anger at Valentine for leaving a plainly worn-out Al Leiter in game 5 of the series. For that decision alone, I would have not re-signed him, and let his sorry behind go to LA.You simply cannot let yourself get talked into leaving a tired pitcher inthere with the season in the balance. If Valentine gets fired this year, I will shed no tears.

EG
March 18, 2001
What is it about him that irritates so many people? All I know is that other than Hodges and Davey Johnson, he's done a pretty good job as a manager. I can't believe that he is worse human being than the misery who managed before him.

Coach HoJo 20
March 25, 2001
You people have to lay off my main man Bobby V. He is one of the smartest managers in baseball. I don't know why people hate this guy so much. You act like ever since he joined the team we have been fighting for second to last place. This guy has been an asset to this team. He is one of the reasons why we were in the World Series. If you want to make fun of a manager make fun of Jeff Torborg.

Yankees fans may say that Bobby V laughs during the game. Its true but he likes to laugh the losses off. At least he doesn't fall a sleep during the games. Like a certain Yankees manager

Anthony J Reccoppa
March 29, 2001
All he has done since comming here to rescue us from Dallas was win. 4 straight above .500 seasons, 2 straight post seasson appearances (only time in Met history), and an appearance in the World Series against the Bronx Monster. He is guilty of only one thing...telling it like it is. So what if he did'nt get along with Bonilla or Rickey...WHO CAN? He's a good manager who knows the game head to toe.

Mr. Sparkle
March 29, 2001
I don't care what anybody says I love this guy. OK he's a little quirky but he's a winner. In the day of the prima donna athelete Booby treats everyone the same which is OK in my book. He knows baseball better than anyone and he certainly out coached the media darling Dusty Baker (who I hate from a Mets fight in the 80's) last October. The mustache and glasses thing in 99 was a pisser and I can't believe people thought he was serious. He gives the mostly amazingly honest interviews on the FAN. Let's get the rings this year Bobby, you've got your work cut out for you with Appier and Trachsel.

Marty C
April 3, 2001
Best manager in team history, hands down; What other manager in team history has four consecutive winning years ? The fact that he got the 1997 team to win 88 games with the talent they had was impressive, to say the least. In my view, there is no other manager that gets as much from his roster as he does. He out managed LaRussa and Dusty Baker out of their shorts in the playoffs. Here is an interesting thought; if he switches places with Joe Torre (my alltime favorite player), the Yankees still win Championships, with their talent level, but I don't think Joe could get as much out of this team as "V" does. He is prepared and has a clear focus on what he is trying to achieve. Is he quirky - Absolutely. At least he is passionate about his job. He certainly keeps things interesting. As someone else said in the comments before, he will be missed when he is gone.

Henny
April 4, 2001
i always say you can't bash a guy who makes you win. I see that some fans do not agree with me. I really like this guy and I think he can make our team win the World Series. he really cares. I mean, come on look how much trouble he has gotten into because of fighting for our team! I also think that fans should start to appreciate his efforts. I think the Mets should keep him since he has been so good for them.

Richie The Met Freak
May 11, 2001
Bobby Valentine completely overmanages the Mets. He makes it appear that he is a great genius of the game of baseball. Maury Chass is correct in calling Bobby Valentine a "self-proclaimed genius".

bob mercier
May 26, 2001
Bobby Valentine is the second greatest manager the Mets have ever had behind davey johnson. Because, let's face it, Bobby v has as of now 4 of the 18 winning seasons the Mets have had through 2000 to his credit, who knows it could be 5 if the Mets can get things going here in 2001. Even though he made the mistake of keeping al leiter in too long in the final game of the World Series in 2000, who knows, if it were not for him the Mets may have not had winning seasons in 1997-2000 and the World Series apperance in 2000.

mfjazz
July 12, 2001
This is probadly the worst manager on a game to game basis. I've never seen a mgr make so many bad decision in my life. I can't wait till the Mets fire him and hire felipe alou. You know when it comes down to it a manager is as good as his ball players, but this nimrod just makes bad decisions

kinerskorner
July 12, 2001
mfjazz, how can you kill valentine? all he's done since he came to New York is win, and he may overmanage occasionally, but he does get more out of his players than most other managers. I doubt the Mets wouldve been in the World Series last year if St. Torre had been managing them. and as for alou...the grass is always greener. I mean, really, I think hes a good manager, but what did he do in montreal to convince you hed be better in NY than valentine? his teams couldnt even win 70 games with decent young talent. its not like he had those teams at .500. teams like minnesota would love to have vlad and vidro in the middle of their lineup, and theyll probably win 90 this year.

BO
July 30, 2001
The Met's have a recent history of losing seasons accompanied by ineffecient managers. The exceptions of these valleys of despair are the peaks of brilliant baseball played under the regimes of Davey Johnson and Bobby Valentine. While many teams seem to be able to win despite mediocre managers, the Mets success seems to be reliant on managerial excellent. Bobby Valentine provides the managerial excellence the Mets need to win. I hope Valentine manages the Mets for a long time. Lets not replace him with the new fan favorite version of Bud Harrelson (post-DJ era) and suffer the negative results.

ETCH 35
September 5, 2001
I just read an article by Ian O'Connor of one of the City newspapers from earlier this season. The article was written about Valentine during the annual Negro League Tribute at Shea. It went on to say that Bobby was almost arrested early in his playing career with the Dodgers because of an altercation that ensued after he and his Black team mates were refused service at a restarant. It told of his ambitions to produce an HBO series about the Negro Leagues. And of how popular he was with both fans and players in Japan, where he "rode the subways with the fans and spoke to his players in their native tongue". Bobby calls himself a "voting Republican" but he's a "bleeding heart when it comes to predjudice". This article made me see that we are lucky to have him in more ways than one. Yes he has a big mouth and you may second guess some of his calls, but this guy is a winner on the field and a total class act. I respect his values and I hope he goes down as the best Skipper this team ever had when it's all over.

Brooklyn_Craig
September 30, 2001
Bobby is one of the steadiest Met managers there ever was, next to Hodges. He is from Ct. but is a TRUE New Yorker. His gritty decision-making (even if you dislike it) is that of a Billy Martin type. Although the one thing I disagree with Bobby is the use of Franco, aside from allowing Franco to fetch the water. And does he have his dislikes as stated before about the Mets? Of course, you think managers like every decision the front office makes? If you do, then there is a Santa Virginia. Give the guy a break; I hope he stays with the Mets for LIFE! WE LOVE YA BOBBY!!!!!

RSB
October 4, 2001
Valentine deserves to be Manager of the Year for reaching .500 with what he had to work with this year.

H-Man
November 3, 2001
You were a great manager. You allowed Al Leiter to get his first career double and triple at the plate.

tim ferraro
January 8, 2002
Listen to this!! Last year (2001) I was lucky enough to sit right behind the Mets dugout and I cheered my head for them. Even though they were doing poorly I was encouraging them. All positive and not one swear word. I admit I was loud, but arent I allowed? Some players even nodded and smiled at my comments. The fifth inning Bobby gets up up on the top step and turns to me. I thought he was gonna give me of his patented 'thumbs up', but instead yells at me to "sit down and shut the f--- up". He is an ego maniac and a complete farce to the fans. I was appalled. I cannot root for a team that employs such an awful "man." I'm so glad he sufffers every day with the fact that he has fallen so short of expectations. He will be forgotten.

I paid over 300 dollars to sit there and thats what I get? I used to be the biggest Mets fan, and spent a lot of time and money rooting for them. I like them too much to stop rooting, but I will never waste another penny on them. Bobby Valentine will get what he deserves.

Jim Snedeker
February 19, 2002
I guess I don't listen to enough Mets radio or read enough about Bobby V., because I've always thought of him as an excellent guy and baseball man. I can't understand all the negative feedback he gets. The glasses and fake moustache was the greatest--Bill Veeck would have been proud.

I have in front of me an article about how a Queens woman wrote to the Mets after September 11, and asked them to support her local firehouse, which had lost 19 men. So Bobby V and a bunch of Mets threw a Christmas party at his restaurant for the remaining guys and the families of the men who had died. Bobby V was wrapping Christmas presents for the kids, and had hired a magician and a face-painter for the kids. During the party, he got a call from Steve Phillips, and told him "Steve, I don't want to hear about any more trades. I'm trying to run a Christmas party." He talked with all the kids and gave all of the wives little Swiss Army watches with alarms. Bobby V paid for the party himself.

Squad 288 in Maspeth, Queens, is now the Mets adopted firehouse. One of the firemen paid Bobby V the ultimate compliment: "He would've been a great fireman."

Allen
March 28, 2002
Bobby V. is probably one of the best managers that the NY Mets have seen in their 40 year existence. He makes his players happy with his unique tactics, and is loved by the front office. Everyone needs a manager of his caliber. Bobby, we're behind you 110%, well, the die-hard Mets fans are anyway.

Mets in baseball
May 1, 2002
I hope Bobby V is around as the manager of the NY Mets for a long, long time. The man knows baseball. Remember Bud Harrelson, Jeff Torborg and Dallas Green? All you Bobby V detractors have short memories!

Larry Burns
May 31, 2002
I guess my view of Bobby V is pretty simple. He is an arrogant guy whose personality would probably drive me insane if I hung out with him. Not withstanding that, he is an excellent manager and tactician. I don't have to hang out with him and he has made the Mets an over achieving team in the late 1990s and early 2000s, so I can put up with personality traits that I personally am not fond of. If you view him in a professional light, he does an awesome job. Keep up the good work.

Doug F.
June 7, 2002
For me, records speak for themself. I am a long suffering Mets fan, and Bobby V has given me a winning season every full season he has managed this team. He has given me playoff games, and a World Series. He has made my favorite baseball team since I was a little kid competitive no matter what he has been given. When he took the bull by the horns after September 11th by volunteering, and directing a lot of the Shea Parking lot actions, that told me a lot about his character. He has heart, passion, and he is a student of the game. He won the players, the front office, and he will always have mixed reactions by the fans. Either way, love him or hate him, look at his record with this team. This year is starting slow like every year, but I will bet dollars to donuts they will be there in the end.

Doc E
July 3, 2002
Bobby V wins. When the Mets front office quits trying to buy a championship and keeps a decent sized nucleus of players around for a few years, he will get them some more great seasons. It's tough to manage with so many roster changes and I know that Valentine would do better in terms of wins and losses with a more stable roster. He did a hell of a job in 1999 and 2000 in spite of moves the team made that he did not like. I'd really like to see him get and keep the guys he wants. I have confidence in him in spite of the team's rough start. I don't think anybody would do better. He's a terriffic manager.

Bob
August 6, 2002
Sorry, I know this is not a popular opinion here, but I think it's time for the Mets to make a move.

I'm not saying Valentine is the reason the Mets are playing poorly, but sometimes a change for the sake of change is necessary. It seems the Mets have stopped responding to Bobby V.

I also feel the Mets are one of the poorest teams in fundamentals. Lack of talent can be excused, but lack of baseball knowledge has to come back to the manager.

The Mets do too many stupid things, like sliding into first base, bunting at the wrong time, not drawing walks, not advancing runners...the list goes on.

There comes a point where the manager has to take the heat. After the 1988 postseason, Davey Johnson got a pass in 1989, but by 1990 he was gone.

A team with this roster should not be under .500 in August. Valentine's mulligan was 2001. Time for a change.

murphy
August 23, 2002
Not even the worst Mets team I've ever seen, the 1993 edition, had a double-digit losing streak. This pathetic, disgusting, putrid, infuriating and horrendous excuse for a team has lost 11 in a row and counting. This team wouldn't be able to compete at the Little League World Series. The team quit, plain and simple. And worse, since spring training, they have played incredibly stupid, sloppy and uninspired baseball. And that lies at the feet of the manager. He has done a miserable job and should be sent packing. Blow up the roster, and start at the head.

Richard Kissel
September 14, 2002
Bobby Valentine is a real human being. He gets a bad rap from the press, or did until he showed the type of person he is in the aftermath of "9-11." But Bobby was always the same guy. Bobby is one of the few people in baseball who will stand and sign autographs for every kid who asks. He is not conventional and doesn't do or say things to please the press. I have a lot of respect for Bobby V.

Andy from Rego Park
October 1, 2002
Yeah... I guess it had to happen. As the old saying goes, you can't fire 25 players, and it was clear the players on the Mets had stopped responding to Bobby V months ago (or maybe even last season).

But, if the team's failure to perform for two straight seasons wasn't enough, the marijuana fiasco certainly finished him.

You can't argue with Valentine's passion for the team or the immense character he showed in the aftermath of 9/11. It takes a strong manager and something of a character to shrug off what he shrugged off during his tenure here (remember how he said he should be fired right before they went on their run in '99?). A little wacky? Yes. A big mouth know it all? At times, yes.

But once upon a time, he piloted a team that relied on Benny Agbayani, Jay Payton, Timo Perez and Todd Zeile into the World Series. Not an inconsiderable achievement.

Shari
October 2, 2002
Sorry Bobby, I know this year wasn't toally your fault. It's a shame. The sad truth was he couldn't motivate anyone to play for him this year. But how does one motivate a bunch of lazy overpaid pot smoking prima donnas anyway?

Shari
October 4, 2002
I have to say I agree with you Mr. Sparkle. Why should these guys need motivation from anyone to play big league ball for big league money? I'd give anything to be rock star right now, but I play in a local band & work my day job and I'm fine with that, no one has to motivate me to do either one the best I possibly can, because it's how I perform is a reflection on me, and if I was this team I'd be so embarassed I wouldn't poke my head out of the dugout next season. Bobby was just the fall guy because everyone knows you cannot fire 25 players, and the fans wanted something done so there you have it-Bobby got sent packing.

Bob D.
November 22, 2002
I remember that in his playing days he would come out and sign autographs for all the kids along the first base side of the stands. And he didn't just sign it and rush you along - he actually stopped to talk to us. If he hadn't banged up his leg, he may have been one of the great ones. As far as his managing days, he was a great strategist, always fun to watch and he brought respectability back to a franchise that desperately needed to recover from the Torborg regime.

Mr. Sparkle
December 23, 2002
Is it possible Wilpon knew he wouldn't sign any free agents if he kept Bobby around? All three of this off season signees, Glavine, Stanton, and Floyd said they wouldn't be here if Bobby was. I think Stanton would have signed anyway since he's from Jersey but it's obvious Bobby isn't all that well respected. I still like him but I just wonder if that went into Wilpon's thinking. At this point, I'm looking forward to the Art Howe era.

NL
December 27, 2002
I think he's a good guy and a good baseball guy, he did a nice job for a number of years and earned a big contract, but let's face it - the team rolled over in 2002, just as it did for most of 2001. Watching the Twins and Angels go to it in the playoffs (as well as the A's 20-game winning streak) made me realize just how dark, dreary and depressing the Mets' season actually was. Even if one could honestly say that so many players had bad years at once, that doesn't excuse the listless, selfish and stupid way they played. Bobby V. looked to me as if he'd lost interest. I too am looking forward to a new feeling in 2003.

Metsmind
December 30, 2002
I couldnt come up with enough scathing things to say about this lifetime loser, except I am embarrassed and feel ripped off to have held season tickets during his tenure (2 "wild card championships" notwithstanding). Simply put, any success the Mets have had in recent years has been despite, not thanks to, Valentine's presence. Has a major league manager ever run out of players more consistently than Valentine? He double-switched his way out of countless games, usually for no defendable reason. All these players coming forward to say they would not have joined the team if Valentine was still here just validates my opinion of the last several years -- that this guy is a laughing stock who the Bobby Coxes of the world live for the opportunity to face.

Jon
April 17, 2003
Don't know about all you, but I miss Bobby already. I know it won't happen but I wish they'd bring him back as GM-Manager and see how cool the team would be.

Jeff In Florida
May 27, 2003
I had an experience along the lines of what Tim talked about earlier that made me lose respect for BV. I have been a Mets fan for as long as I can remember (circa 1979,1980.) I was at a Spring Training game in PSL during March of 2001. I had great seats right behind home plate. BV was standing around a little before the game started. I was in a joking mood so I yelled, "Bobby, are you gonna wear the glasses and the nose tonight?" He told me that if I was a Mets fan (I had a Mets hat and Mets shirt on) that I should just sit down, shut the f__k up, and stop 'busting his chops'" BV was a good manager but that night he lost my respect and I now agree with everyone who says he's a jerk.

mets
May 29, 2003
Bobby Valentine was the most under appreciated manager in Mets history. He reminds me of Leo Durocher. Durocher was good at insulating his players from the media with his escapades off and on the field particularly when he was managing the Dodgers and the Giants. Like Durocher, Valentine's post game shananigans with the press had him the focal point of the media, leaving his players to concentrate on the task to win games. Like Durocher, Valentine wore number two, was a bench jockey, and often times put the media on with baloney. Like Durocher, everyone seemed to despise Valentine. Like Durocher, Valentine knew the rules and how each player should be utilized based on his abilities. Like Durocher with the Giants, Valentine was able to get to the World Series with a team that was not rated the best in the National League. Perhaps it is the Ralph Branca connection. Valentine is married to Branca's daughter and Branca has said on inummerable occasions that "Leo the Lip" was the best manager he played for in the big leagues.

SteveB
May 30, 2003
Bobby might have been a little quirky, but he brought the team back to respectability, and above all else a World Series appearence, something no one had been able to do since Davey was here. Firing Bobby was a mistake.

Jon
July 20, 2003
The popular suggestion earlier this year was that Glavine and maybe Stanton might not have signed with the Mets had Bobby still been in charge. We should've been so lucky!

I know they say "you can't fire the players" but the decison to whack Bobby and hang onto the players who ousted him has got to be one of the very worst among a long line of bad decisions that doomed this franchise. You all realize Steinbrenner cannot wait to hire this guy. I might hang myself that day.

CJM
September 3, 2003
Davey Johnson was a very good manager with great Met teams, while Bobby V was a great manager with very good Met teams.

Ramon Epstein
September 4, 2003
I first became a Mets fan in 1997, though as a Clevelander I'm also partial to the Indians. Bobby Valentine was the manager then, and it soon became clear that a.) no other skipper in baseball seemed to be able to tolerate him, and b.) no other manager in baseball could lead the Mets to a pennant. Bobby V. didn't deserve to be canned. He took so much criticism, I don't understand how he could focus on his job. Whether he was a jerk or not is irrelevant. During one game on ESPN he was arguing flat out with an umpire over whether a player was safe at home. I don't remember the umpire or the sportscaster's name, but it was raucous, and the ESPN guy said, "look at that. Two Italians going at it". I thought that was just one more typical problem that Bobby V. had to deal with. No one took him seriously as a manager.

Barney Beaugareaux
December 14, 2003
Bobby was awesome. He may not have had a great deal of friends in the locker room but neither did Bill Parcells. Bobby had a great baseball mind and did a hell of a job getting what he could out of an over achieving bunch. I wish him well in Japan and I hope to see him back in the majors in 05.

Steve Perry
December 19, 2003
Barney, you must be kidding, comparing Bobby V to Bill Parcells? I know Bobby had a great grasp of the game, but he had little loyalty or love from his players. I always thought he could have been a great manager if he had ever figured a way to relate to his players better.

Anthony
June 7, 2004
I will admit that I got aggravated a lot of times with Bobby Valentine. I do think that Steve Phillips should have been fired before him. Many will agree that it was time for a managerial change. But, we all should remember that Bobby Valentine did bring a team whose only impact change was getting John Olerud from 71 wins to 88 wins in 1997. Plus, under him they made the playoffs back-to-back seasons for the first time in team history.

My greatest memory of him was during the summer of 2001. My 19th b-day was coming up on June 29. My dad knew Valentine's lawyer so he gave him a birthday card meant for me. During my b-day dinner, I get handed an envelope, open it and take out the card. Inside the card written is "Happy Birthday Anthony" signed by Bobby Valentine, Benny Agabyani, Joe McEwing, Rick Reed, Turk Wendell and others. It is on my bedroom wall in a frame. I will always be especially grateful of him and the others for signing that card for me.

Kiwiwriter
September 24, 2004
He had a lot of bizarre moments, did a lot of bizarre things, and made some bizarre moves, for which he paid the price.

But he was the only Met manager to lead the team to two consecutive post-season appearances.

Jonathan Stern
March 9, 2005
From 1997 to 2000, all the Mets did was win, despite an outfield composed largely of part-timers, the lack of a real ace, and the players' regular eschewal of baserunning fundamentals. The 1999 infield was the greatest imaginable, the bullpen of those years airtight. The team had likable personalities who will grow in stature as years go on (with the sad exceptions, it increasingly appears, of Al Leiter and John Franco).

2001 was memorable for the team's post-9/11 heroics, most of which took place off the field, unfortunately. Then, in 2002, the team finally unravelled. When that happens (as is usually inevitable - see Davey Johnson, and even Gil Hodges), the manager takes the rap... even though it is often the players and/or the front office who take a nap.

Valentine has every reason to hold his head up high when looking back on his Mets tenure. It was long by any manager's standards and it was exciting, at times tumultuous, but in the end very successful, especially in light of the problems mentioned above. Although he rubbed many people the wrong way, for whatever reasons, Bobby V. was a great, great manager, period. Maybe the best we've ever had, as he might have been remembered had he won it all. Definitely someone I'd like to meet some day, perhaps at his excellent restaurant.

KMT
March 30, 2005
I'd like to say Bobby V would have been a great player if he hadn't broken his leg with the Angels! He could hit, and play a number of positions. A real shame!

I was not happy when they made him manager. I thought he was a self-promoter, and didn't have the skills as a manager. He won nothing in Texas and spent 7 years there. Now that he's gone a while, my thoughts have changed greatly! He is an excellent skipper, and I wanted him back before Randolph got the job. We who live in the NY/NJ/CT area will never forget him and the Mets during 9/11 and its aftermath! A time the Mets organization stood proud! Good luck, Bobby! Many of us miss you!

Melodee Garrison
April 30, 2005
I remember Bobby waay back when he was with the Spokane Indians. He played shortstop, and he was just great. He had many hearts-a-fluttering back then, mine included, and still does!

George Felonbrenner
May 20, 2005
Let's review the Valentine years: A team full of average nobodies molded into a unit that was able to produce five winning seasons. With the exception of Leiter, Piazza, Hampton, and Olerud, Bobby had nothing to work with. Yet, somehow, somehow He brought the Mets to the playoffs TWICE, winning the NL championship once. Losing the World Series was expected, but getting there wasn’t. How Bobby, with that lackluster team, made it to the big show is a miracle and proof that a higher power exists.

Regardless of this amazing success, Fred Wilpon FIRES Valentine in favor of a GM that cobbled together one of the worst and most overpaid Mets’ team since 91/92. Pretty Boy Philips’ team was so bad, not even Bobby could get that team to .500.

I’m a die hard Mets fan. I took a lot of crap and near beatings (seriously) for being a fan. But, once Valentine was dumped, it took the air out of my sails. Since Bobby embodied the Mets with his personality, arrogance, and outright HUMOR (it's OK to laugh when you lose!), it felt like the soul of the organization was ripped out of the blue and orange. Because of this, I hung up my Mets cap and stopped watching baseball for a while. It kinda bummed me out. The Mets simply weren’t FUN anymore.

HJE
July 5, 2005
One memory that I have is that my dad went down to the dugout on my birthday all the back in 99, and spoke with Valentine. My dad came back with an autographed baseball.

Valentine is not the greatest manager of all time, but he was always exciting and one smart son of a gun.

Pete
October 13, 2005
I miss Bobby. I miss his swagger. I miss the way he would inhale and raise his eyebrows every time a reporter would ask a dumb question (happened quite often too). I miss the way he would take veiled shots at the Yankees. I miss the way he would not accept people treating the Mets as the "second banana" team in NY. I miss the way he didn't care what people thought about him. I miss the way he would have his first baseman do the "Bobby V Dance" when holding runners on. (Actually I really don't miss that.) Say what you like, but Bobby took a team with an outfield of Benny Agbayani, Jay Payton, Darryl Hamilton, Bubba Trammell, et al to a World Series. Think of what he did in '97. That team won 88 games. No small feat. Granted, he had worn out his welcome by 2002 and I like Willie Randolph. But there will never be another Bobby V.

agee_of_aquarius
January 4, 2006
Valentine got no support from his bosses. They undermined him completely. Does anyone remember the furor over his comments on Todd Hundley? Valentine suggested that Hundley was staying out a little too much? And Hundley and the front office ripped VALENTINE for his comments? Imagine Gil Hodges making those same comments. Everyone would have backed Hodges up and Hundley would have slept more.

DavidC
February 18, 2006
Read an interesting article in "Baseball Weekly" magazine in Japan about Bobby V's better success in Japan than in U.S. In summary, Bobby has a vast knowledge about baseball not just on the field but also including from PR and business standpoint, which in the U.S., could rub some people, especially players with ego (which are not so few) a wrong way - in Japan, there still are players with egos, however they are basically brought up from their Little League days to listen/obey to managers and coaches. I'd guess Bobby V and Japan are made for one another, and Bobby V must be having a time of his life, because everyone, excepting for opposing managers love him so dearly.

Bobby V made a right choice by re-signing with the Chiba Lotte Marines than with some MLB clubs.

Bonbolito
February 18, 2006
My cousin had gotten me tickets on the third base line the box right by where they used to keep the tarps rolled up. Best seats I've ever had. It was Darryl Strawberry's first game. Bobby Valentine was coaching at third. My friends sitting in the box with me were buttering up Valentine telling him he was the greatest and asking him for an autograph. I was laughing because I knew it could just never work. They kept going and wouldn't let up. About the only thing they didn't compliment Bobby on was his ability to cure leprosy. In the 4th inning Bobby looks over his shoulder and says I can't come over now because I'll get in trouble. The guys kept at it "Bobby we love you" etc. The fifth inning comes around and as the field gets dragged Bobby comes over and quickly signs three autographs. I didn't get one because I was so shocked that it didn't even occur to me to pull out my ticket stub. Never seen or heard of anything like this before or since.

Putbeds 1986
February 18, 2006
I'll never forget Bobby V. I got a story about hearing when he was let go by the Mets. I didn't hear about it on ESPN or WFAN; I heard about it on "Good Day Live", a show on Fox-5 which is no longer on the air; After hearing about Bobby V. they went to a story about a bunch of kids who tortured a homeless man in Wisconsin. I was so glad when his team in Japan won the Series over there last year. You know that Bobby would be perfect for ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" since he was a champion ballroom dancer. I still laugh when he put on that disguise against Toronto in 1999 after being tossed from the game. Still miss ya, Bobby V.

Mike Champion
May 3, 2006
I had the pleasure of meeting and playing on the same field as Bobby. He is one of the greatest memories I have of playing the game. He has always been a hero to me. He loved, and probably still loves, the game more than anyone I have ever known. I can only hope to one time meet up with him again.

Frankie D
July 21, 2006
Let me tell you about a personal experience with Bobby V. My daugter Jamie was about 9 years old and we were heading down to a Cyclones game. I had seen that Bobby would be at a car dealer in Brooklyn and I asked Jamie if she'd like to meet him. Of course she said yes so we went to a bunch of stores to round up baseballs for Bobby to sign.

Bobby was there talking to some of the guys who were working at the car dealer. He spoke to Jamie, signed her Cyclones hat and every single ball that we brought (we got a couple signed for friends of hers) and he even signed cards that he had brought. Bobby graciously allowed us to photograph him with Jamie.

When I got the photo I mailed it to Bobby, requesting that he autograph it and send it back to Jamie. The autograph arrived in the mail in a few short weeks.

I thought that Bobby was the best manager that the Mets ever had. Bobby Valentine is an excellent strategist and a great baseball mind. I am sure that he would have the Mets of 2006 doing even better than Willie Randolph is doing. I am just not a fan of Willie Randolph. I think that he is getting way too much credit for the Mets this year. I am getting a little tired of the "I am a winner" stuff about Willie. For my money, the best Mets manager that I remember well is Bobby Valentine.

Pete the Feet
October 4, 2006
Bobby Valentine is without question the most gifted and talented athlete I have ever known personally. He could have easily been a pro-bowl calliber running back in the NFL had he chosen to stay at USC rather than signing with the Dodgers. (He did throw one hell of a party with his signing bonus money though.) He thought he could have a longer career in baseball than football - how ironic. But I believe his real reason for opting for baseball was that despite his self-confidence (ego) he would have been following no less than O.J. Simpson as the next great USC tailback. One more note. Talk about a charmed life, Bobby V. was on The Dating Game show three times and all three times he was chosen as the girl's date, charmed and charming!

JimA
October 4, 2006
I was 13 years old in 1968 and our town, Stamford CT, like the rest of America at that time was overwrought with racial tension and violence. During a high school basketball championship game a fight broke out and kids from both sides of the gymnasium piled onto the court and a riot broke out.

Bobby Valentine went right into the middle of it to stop the fighting.

It was one of the most courageous selfless acts I'd ever seen and it inspires me even to this very day.

Like all of us who were taught by Sharkey Laureno and Mickey Lione and the other coaches in Stamford Babe Ruth Baseball, 'before you can be a good baseball player or good doctor or good lawyer or whatever, you must first be a good person'.

When in HS Bobby was playing center and a kid singled up the middle, and Bobby intentionally let it go through his legs to get him to advance; Bobby threw him out at second - one of the best plays I have seen in my life. He could run like the wind. I saw him score 6 touchdowns on 13 carries. Best athlete ever to come out of Stamford and one of the best people.

I am proud to say I know Bobby Valentine, and played on the same field with him. It was one of the best experiences of my life. He made everyone around him a better person. His baseball knowledge is unsurpassed.

I wish him well in his journey through life.

We need more people like Bobby Valentine.

LenDog
October 18, 2006
We are one hour and eight minutes away from game 6 against the Cardinals in 2006 NLCS as I write this.

Watching this Met team underachieve (and who knows, they might win two at Shea tonight and tomorrow) I have a new-found appreciation for Valentine. He pulled a lot out of a moderately-talented team. I say that as we are on the brink of losing to the 83-win 2006 Cardinals.

Mitch
May 28, 2007
I once heard someone on ESPN describe Bobby V as a "mad scientist."

I think that's a pretty fair description of the man's managerial style.

Shickhaus Franks
June 22, 2007
A few weeks back there was a great article in Sports Illustrated featuring Bobby V. and it reminds me of when my good friend Jake (now deceased) and I would argue about Valentine and Jake would say that "He (Valentine) should be a GAME SHOW host."

DanMan
March 28, 2008
The Mets needed him during Sept of 07 because they needed a spark in their clubhouse, so they could win. In 99 when they were about to be eliminated from the playoffs he sent a spark and the Mets went to the NLCS.

He is ranked #3 in my list of Mets managers: #1 Davey Johnson; #2 Gil Hodges; #3 Bobby V; #4 Yogi; #5 Casey.

Anthony
November 13, 2008
My second posting about this man. I know I was hard on him at times and when he was fired, it was the right move since a change was needed. I have thought it over and will go as far as saying he is better than Joe Torre. Why? Well, in 2000, he almost did as much as Torre did with the Yanks even though he had so much less. I mean, just compare the starting outfields of the two teams that year. And this is not taking into account what he did with the '97 Mets. Anyone agree?

FEAT FAN
November 21, 2008
Yeah, it's hard to like him but even harder to ignore his accomplishments as a solid manager. He did not have the easiest clubhouse either (Ricky, Bonilla) and I have to believe that he would be welcomed back in a New York Minute!

DavidC
January 4, 2009
It was reported in Japan last month, that the Chiba Lotte Marines will not extend Bobby Valentine's contract that terminates at the end of 2009 season. This announcement is quite odd, considering the 2009 season has not even started yet, making Bobby, essentially a lame-duck manager for the Marines. He did finally clash with the Marines management after years of honeymoon (sounds familiar ?) and apparently had his welcome "worn" after 5 + years with the team.

All in all, I still think he can manage (as does everyone else) - another disappointing season in Flushing despite of high hopes in 2009 ? Bobby V back with the Mets in 2010 ? Sure, why not, I could see him back in the orange and blue.

Feat Fan
January 21, 2009
Bobby V was a versatile and superior athlete, a local guy who got a bad break. (Literally broke an ankle.) Had pop, speed and grit. Played OF-3B-SS-2B with polish.

FRANK
August 17, 2009
Bobby V no doubt should have remained and finished his career as a Met. No one can match his passion and respect he has for the game.

Shickhaus Franks
December 9, 2011
I was over the moon when I found out that he was hired as the manager for the Old Towne Team aka the Boston Red Sox. I will certainly be rooting for them in 2012 (But don't worry I still love the Amazin' Mets as well.) I wish the Red Sox were visiting Citi Field for interleague in 2012 but we have to take on the Reds (UGH!!!) But with the Astros moving to the American League in 2013; one can hope for a Red Sox-Mets series at Citi Field by then. (FYI, If I wasn't a Mets fan, I would most likely be a Red Sox fan because I really hate the Yankees and then some!)

Shickhaus Franks
October 12, 2013
His comments about 9-11 on WFAN recently have me shaking my head. As a big time Mets fan who HATES the Yankees 24/7, I normally scream BRONX SATANS or EVIL EMPIRE but both New York baseball teams and the 7 other major league sports teams in the Metro area did a LOT to HELP after the 9-11-2001 terror attacks! Maybe Bobby V needs to watch HBO's "9 Innings From Ground Zero" non-stop for 24 hours! I still like Bobby V but his big time LIE has disappointed me greatly.

Joe Giradio
September 30, 2015
Bobby V is a great manager! The people who say he over manages are just jealous. Joe Maddon gets a lot of credit for being a great manager nowadays, but Bobby V beats him any day of the week. ANYONE can win with that 2015 Cub roster.

Bobby V did things with a marginal contender team that only great managers can do. He didn't fit in Boston because a roster of highly-paid veterans is just not gonna take kindly to Bobby V's style.