Bobby Valentine's first and only season in Boston yielded unsatisfactory results, which was enough for the Red Sox to look toward starting a new chapter. Valentine is still appreciative of his brief stint, and he took the high road on the way out.
"I understand this decision," Valentine said in a press release sent out by the team. "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."
The Red Sox, of course, finished well short of their expectations entering the season, and the struggles have been well-documented. Valentine has been critical of his own job in recent weeks because, as he said, the record is what matters. The Sox finished at 69-93 and in last place in the American League East — 26 games behind the first-place Yankees.
Even through the struggles and all of the stress, though, Valentine enjoyed the time he spent in a Boston uniform.
"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," Valentine said. "I'm sure next year will be a turnaround year."
Now, it's time to wait and see who will be in charge of making that turnaround year a reality.
Click here to read Terry Francona's comments about Valentine's exit >>
