Red Sox History: Bobby Valentine Error Comes to End
By David Hill
The Boston Red Sox were hoping that Bobby Valentine would change their fortunes in 2012. He certainly did, though not in the way they expected. On this day, that error in Red Sox history came to an end.
The 2011 season for the Boston Red Sox ended in disaster. After contending for the postseason throughout much of the year, Boston collapsed down the stretch, finishing third in the AL East and failing to make the postseason. A trio of pitchers, John Lackey, Jon Lester, and Josh Beckett, spent their time during games eating fried chicken and drinking beer during that month. Terry Francona had seemingly lost control of the clubhouse, and was no longer the the untouchable icon he had been.
With the desire to scapegoat someone following that disaster, Francona was axed. Theo Epstein also left the Red Sox, taking a promotion with the Chicago Cubs, where he sought to end another curse. Meanwhile, Boston looked to change the culture, and bring in someone who was more of a dynamic communicator. Someone with managerial experience, but could related to the players. Someone like…Bobby Valentine.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox were set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Fenway Park, the hope was that 2012 would be quite the memorable season. It ended up being just that, although for the wrong reasons. Injuries plagued the Red Sox in the early part of the year, and the team struggled throughout the season.
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Tensions reached their peak in July. The players, led by Adrian Gonzalez, had a meeting with ownership about their issues with Valentine, who had completely lost the locker room. In respence, Gonzalez, along with Beckett, Carl Crawford, and innocent bystander Nick Punto were sent to the Dodgers in August. That season resulted in a miserable last place finish, as the Red Sox finished the year at 69-93.
For their part, Red Sox ownership was quick to admit their mistake. On this day in 2012, they fired Valentine, marking the end of the Bobby V Error in Boston. At least the end was swift and reasonably painless.
Again, the Red Sox needed a change in direction, and brought back popular pitching coach John Farrell, giving up infielder Mike Aviles to bring him back. That move worked, as the Red Sox, freed from the toxic presences of Valentine and Beckett, won the World Series the following year.
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The Boston Red Sox wanted to change the culture for 2012. They did so by bringing in Bobby Valentine, although the change was not what they had hoped for.