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New York Mets former manager Bobby Valentine running for mayor

By David Hill

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: New York Mets' manager Bobby Valentine watches batting practice 23 October 2000 at Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows, NY. The Mets trail the New York Yankees 2-0 in the World Series with game three on 24 October. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: New York Mets' manager Bobby Valentine watches batting practice 23 October 2000 at Shea Stadium in Flushing Meadows, NY. The Mets trail the New York Yankees 2-0 in the World Series with game three on 24 October. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images) /
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These days, Bobby Valentine is remembered for his tenure as the manager of the New York Mets. The colorful, outgoing former skipper had a relatively successful tenure in New York, reaching the postseason twice and guiding the team to the 2000 NL pennant. His appearance in the dugout while wearing a fake moustache and glasses after being ejected will be remembered forever.

Now that his time in baseball is over, Valentine wants to be remembered for something else. He announced his candidacy for mayor of Stamford, CT via his Twitter account on Monday.

Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine wants your vote!

Valentine has been a part of many diverse environments over his baseball career, which he can point to as part of his campaign. His time in different clubhouses, as a player and a manager in the majors and minors, as well as his time as a manager in Japan, shows that he can work with people from many different backgrounds.

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He is also embracing his status as a political outsider. At a time when there is a major political divide, and general dissatisfaction with both parties, his decision to run independently may be a brilliant move. He already has plenty of name recognition, so choosing a party may not actually help.

However, his point about being able to bridge the community may be overstated. After all, he had lost the Mets’ locker room towards the end of his run in New York. And the infamous ‘Chicken and Beer’ incident with the Red Sox happened on his watch. Maybe that was not the best line to use in his announcement.

Valentine has had an interesting life. Aside from his time in baseball, he was the athletic director at Sacred Heart Universit, served as the Director of Public Safety in Stamford, and owned several restaurants (he claims to have invented the wrap). Regardless of whether or not this run is successful, it will be fascinating to watch.

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Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine is back in the news. This time, he is running for mayor in Stamford, Connecticut.

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