Bobby Valentine: The Post Playing Career (Mets Hall of Fame Manager, Coach & More)
After Bobby Valentine's playing career ended in 1979, he became a highly sought-after coach. Coach : In 1980 Valentine began his coaching career as a minor league infield instructor for the San Diego Padres (1980-1981). The Padres had been the last team Bobby had played for, just the past year. In 1982, the Mets hired the Stamford, Connecticut native, high school baseball star as a coach. Bobby was thrilled to be close to home & back with his old team in the New York metro area. In 1983 he became the team’s third base coach. He would also handle the infielders and base-running instructions. As a Mets coach he worked under three Mets managers; George Bamberger (1982) Frank Howard (1983) and Davey Johnson (1984). Bobby quickly became a popular figure as a Mets coach, and a fan favorite. His coaching talents & baseball knowledge as well as a natural feel for the game, was recognized throughout the league. There was talk all over MLB...