It's Officially Valentine's Day in Boston

STAMFORD, Conn. – With tears in his eyes and joy in his heart, Stamford’s Bobby Valentine was introduced as the new manager of the Boston Red Sox on Thursday evening at Fenway Park.

The 61-year-old Valentine, a former manager with the Mets and Texas Rangers as well as in Japan, was named to replace Terry Francona. Valentine was immediately interested when he learned Francona would not be back but had reservations about pursuing the position.

“I would wake up at night and say, 'Don’t go there, you’re going to get your heart broken,'’’ Valentine said.

He has been anxious to return to managing in the major leagues since leaving the Mets in 2002. Valentine spent five years managing in Japan and was an analyst for ESPN this past season. He has also been director of public safety in Stamford under Mayor Michael Pavia this year.

“I’m honored, I’m humbled and I’m pretty damn excited,’’ he said.

Valentine will be the 45th manager for the Red Sox, which were contention in the American League East for almost the entirety of this past season until a September collapse cost them a chance in the playoffs. Francona and General Manager Theo Epstein left after the season. Ben Cherrington has replaced Epstein.

"I understand how difficult this was for the organization because of the outstanding candidates involved in process,'' Valentine said. "I understand the rich tradition of baseball in this city, of sports in this community. I understand the great rivalries this team has. And I understand the great talent that has been assembled here.

“This day is a special day. It's more than a special day,'' he continued. “It's the beginning of a life that I think extend beyond anything I ever thought of doing. The talent level, and the players that we have, and this organization, is a gift to anyone. I'm the receiver of that gift."

Valentine was reported to be the choice of team owner Larry Lucchino, while Cherrington reportedly wanted someone else. But the new general manager deflected that notion and said Valentine was his choice.

“It’s just not true,’’ Cherrington said. “We went through a very thorough process. At the end of the process, I made the recommendation that we make the over to Bobby. It was a collaborative process.”

Also read Main Street Connect sports reporter Eric Gendron's reaction to the Bobby V signing.

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