A veteran of more than 40 years in professional baseball, Bobby Valentine is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable minds in the game today. Bobby provides a unique style of entertainment as a host, keynote speaker or celebrity participant while being both educational and motivating.
Playing Career
-Valentine received scholarship offers from approximately 250 schools in both football and baseball.
-In 1968 he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers who made him their #1 pick, number 5 overall.
-Valentine had a 10 year MLB career as a player for the Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Mets and Mariners before retiring in 1979 with the distinction of having played at every position except pitcher.
Managerial Career
-At age 35 he was named manager of the Texas Rangers, where he was younger than several of his players.
-In 1986 Valentine was named United Press International Manager of the Year.
-In 1996, after a successful season managing New York’s Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides, he was promoted to manage the Mets with 31 games left in the season.
-1997 & 1998 saw the Mets finish 14 games over .500 each season and were once again respected as serious contenders in the National League.
-In 2000, for the first time in team history, the Mets reach the post season in back-to-back years winning the National League Pennant and go on to play the Yankees in the only subway series between the two teams to date.
-In 2009 he joined ESPN as an analyst for Baseball Tonight and Sunday Night Baseball.
-In December 2011, the Boston Red Sox announced Valentine as the 45th manager in the club’s 111 year history.
Philanthropy and Public Service
Although Valentine is widely known for his career in sports, he tirelessly devotes his time and energy to countless charitable organizations and to public service. Among them are The Mickey Lione Jr. Fund for Scholastic Excellence, The Western Connecticut Chapter of Multiple Sclerosis, The Tully Health Center, and The Richard D. Frisbee Foundation. In 2011 he accepted the post of Director of Public Safety in his home town of Stamford, CT, providing financial benefits to various local charities and the town.
Valentine has been honored by both Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Vice-President Dick Cheney for his extraordinary humanitarian efforts in the hours and days after the events of 9/11 in New York City. He has also worked extensively with AmeriCares and has traveled to Japan to provide support and aid for the recovery efforts from the effects of the devastating tsunami of 2011.
Bobby Valentine, legendary baseball manager, is available through IMG Speakers bureau for speaking engagements. Bobby Valentine is also available for moderating and emceeing/hosting opportunities, celebrity appearances, corporate hospitality events, meet and greets, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Bobby Valentine.
