Red Sox fire manager Bobby Valentine

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October 4, 2012

Red Sox fire manager Bobby Valentine

Christopher Smith csmith@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Thu Oct 04, 2012, 01:36 PM EDT

Bobby Valentine will not return as manager of the Boston Red Sox in 2013.

Team leaders and Valentine met this morning and the decision was made.

The Red Sox have informed The Eagle-Tribune that no press conference is scheduled yet but that might change.

Boston GM Ben Cherington will lead the search for a new manager, which will begin immediately, according to a press release.

“Our 2012 season was disappointing for many reasons,”Cherington said in the release. “No single issue is the reason, and no single individual is to blame. We’ve been making personnel changes since August, and we will continue to do so as we build a contending club. With an historic number of injuries, Bobby was dealt a difficult hand. He did the best he could under seriously adverse circumstances, and I am thankful to him.”

Team president/CEO Larry Lucchino was the one who picked Valentine last offseason.

“This year’s won-loss record reflects a season of agony,” Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino said in the release. “It begs for changes, some of which have already transpired. More will come. We are determined to fix that which is broken and return the Red Sox to the level of success we have experienced over the past decade.

“Difficult as it is to judge a manager amid a season that had an epidemic of injuries, we feel we need to make changes. Bobby leaves the Red Sox’ manager’s office with our respect, gratitude, and affection. I have no doubt that he will continue to contribute to the game he loves so much and knows so well.”

Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner added: “This season was by far the worst we have experienced in over ten years here. Ultimately, we are all collectively responsible for the team’s performance. We are going to be working tirelessly to reconstruct the ballclub for 2013. We’ll be back.

“We thank Bobby for the many contributions he made and for the energy he brought each day. He is a baseball man through and through.”

Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry added in the release: “In our meeting with Bobby today, he handled everything with dignity and class, and it is deeply appreciated. Ultimately, we as owners are responsible for arming our organization with the resources—intellectual, physical, and financial—to return to the levels of competitiveness to which we aspire and to which our fans are accustomed. Our commitment to winning is unwavering. It is a commitment to this team, to this city, and to these fans who have supported us through thick and thin.

“We have confidence in Ben Cherington and the kind of baseball organization he is determined to build.”

Valentine himself was even quoted in the release.

“I understand this decision,” the ex-manager said. “This year in Boston has been an incredible experience for me, but I am as disappointed in the results as are ownership and the great fans of Red Sox Nation.

“It was a privilege to be part of the 100 year anniversary of Fenway Park and an honor to be in uniform with such great players and coaches. My best to the organization. I’m sure next year will be a turnaround year.”

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