One by one, he made the phone calls, seeking approval from his inner circle. But when he dialed up Tommy Lasorda –– his former manager –– for advice, Valentine seemingly had no choice but to accept the position.
“I told him if he didn’t [take it], I’d kick his [butt],” Lasorda said, smiling. “The minute he got the chance, he grabbed it because he loves Boston. There’s a lot of Italians in Boston and he’ll get along real good in the city.”
All joking aside, Lasorda endorsed Valentine’s hiring. After the 2011 season ended, Lasorda said he spoke with at least three teams who were interested in Valentine and offered recommendations each time.
During his session with reporters, Lasorda praised Valentine’s intelligence and wit by recounting a time when Valentine used to call in game reports to the Stamford Advocate to pump up his own performance.
“He was 18 years old when he came to play for me and he was so damn smart it was unbelievable,” Lasorda said, referring to their time together with the Ogden Dodgers in 1968 rookie ball. The former Los Angeles Dodgers manager also believes that Valentine’s jovial attitude –– and experience –– could resonate well with the players in the Red Sox clubhouse.
“You have 25 guys and you have to make them believe they are the best in baseball,” Lasorda said. “He can do that.”
Lasorda also didn’t hesitate to offer suggestions to his longtime protege, either. When asked if former Red Sox great Bill Buckner would fit on the coaching staff, Lasorda quickly gave his stamp of approval.
“I think that would be great,” Lasorda said. “Buckner was an outstanding hitter and Buckner could relate to players. I think if [Valentine] selects him, I think it would be a good selection.”
