The Boston Red Sox have officially fired manager Bobby Valentine after one season and a 69-93 record, the franchise’s worst in 47 years.
Valentine, who had one year left on a two-year contract, was notified of his release following Wednesday night’s game. He will reportedly will receive $2.5 million.
The team officially announced his firing on Thursday just before noon.
“Our 2012 season was disappointing for many reasons,” general manager Ben Cherington said in the team’s announcement. “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.”
Valentine, who was named Red Sox manger last December, was brought in to replace Terry Francona in an effort to turn the team around. During his 16-season major league managerial career, Bobby V is 1,186-1,165 with the Red Sox, Texas Rangers and New York Mets.
“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,” Valentine said in a press release. “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.”
USA Today writes that in Valentine’s final day on the job, he said he felt a lack of support from his coaching staff, and that they undermined him.
ESPN’s Buster Olney talks more about the Boston Red Sox’s firing of Bobby Valentine in the video below:
via ESPN