“Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too.”
~ Yogi Berra
Happy Valentine’s Day! On February 14th, we celebrate the feast of the Christian saint, Valentine or the Latin, Valentinus who was a 3rd-century Roman. He is known as the patron saint of Terni, epilepsy, and beekeepers. He also is traditionally associated with “courtly” love. He was martyred at age 42 (possibly 43) circa 269.
(The Triumph of Saint Valentin by Valentin Metzinger, early 18th century. Photo Public Domain)
If you’re from Chicago or familiar with our history, you will know that on February 14, 1929, at 10:30 a.m. the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre occurred at 2122 North Clark Street. Seven members of the George “Bugs” Moran’s North Side Gang were gunned down by two men using “Chicago Typewriters” (Thompson Submachine guns) and two others using shotguns while lined up against the wall of the garage. The victims were Albert Kachellek (Bugs’ second in command), Frank Gusenberg, Peter Gusenberg, Adam Heyer, Albert Weinshank, Reinhardt Schwimmer and John May, who did occasional work for the gang as a car mechanic. The only survivor was John’s dog, High Ball. Frank Gusenberg was still alive when the police arrived, although he had 14 bullets in him. He died three hours later, but when questioned, he told the police, “No one shot me.” It was long suspected and assumed that Al Capone ordered the hit. No one was ever directly brought to justice for the crime.
(Chicago History Museum - Fair Use)
So, how does this all relate to baseball? Well, MLB had their share of Valentines, three players with that last name. They were Bobby, Fred, and Ellis. Let’s take a look at these players and their careers.
(Photo Public Domain)
Bobby Valentine was born May 13, 1950. He made his MLB debut on September 2, 1969, and his last MLB appearance was September 30, 1979. He was a 5’10” 189lbs infield / outfielder who threw and batted right-handed. His career batting average was .260, with 12 home runs, and 157 runs batted in. After his playing career he managed in MLB with a record 1,186 wins – 1,165 losses for a .523 winning percentage. He also managed in Japan, his NPB record was 493 wins – 450 losses for a .523 winning percentage.
Bobby played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1969, 1971-72), California Angels (1973-75), San Diego Padres (1975-77), New York Mets (1977-78) and the Seattle Mariners (1979). He played shortstop, second, third and all three outfield positions. He may have had a stellar career, but while trying to catch a home run over the fence, he spikes caught and he suffered a multiple compound leg fracture. His bones didn’t heal correctly, and he never regained his speed.
He managed with the Texas Rangers (1985-92), Chiba Lotte Marines (1995, 2004-09), New York Mets (1996-2002), and the Boston Red Sox (2014). His 2005 team was the Japanese Series champion.
Side note, he played center field when Nolan Ryan pitched his first no-hitter with the Angles and then was Ryan’s manager for his 6th and 7th no-hitters with the Rangers. A comical note, Bobby was once ejected as a manager with the Mets and had to leave the field. He went into the clubhouse but came back to the dugout the next inning “disguised” in sunglasses and moustache made from eye black. He was fined $5000 and suspended for two games. He has worked doing baseball broadcasts for ESPN.
Fred Valentine was born January 19, 1935. He made his MLB debut on September 7, 1959, and his last MLB appearance was September 24, 1968. He was a 6’1” 190lbs outfielder who threw right-handed and was a switch-hitter. His career batting average was .247, with 36 home runs, and 168 runs batted in. He also played one season in Japan and had a batting average of .246, 11 home runs and 46 runs batted in.
Fred played for the Baltimore Orioles (1959, 1963 and 1968), Washington Senators (1964-68), and finished playing with the Hanshin Tigers (1970).
Ellis Valentine was born January 30, 1954. He made his MLB debut on September 3, 1975, and his last MLB appearance was October 2, 1985. He was a 6’4” 205lbs right fielder who threw and batted right-handed. His career batting average was .278, with 123 home runs, and 474 runs batted in.
Ellis played for the Montreal Expos (1975-81), New York Mets (1981-82), California Angels (1983) and the Texas Rangers (1985). He played right field. His manager in Montreal, Felipe Alou said, “There’s a plateau where you can’t throw the ball any harder and you can’t be any more accurate. That was Ellis Valentine.”
Ellis had drug and alcohol issues throughout his career. After his retirement he moved to California and in 1986 entered a rehab. He eventually took a position as a drug counselor and helped others with their addictions. He holds a behavioral- health and chemical dependency counseling certification. He still works as a counselor, now at a church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas and is affiliated with several charitable organizations.
I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day. Treat your loved ones well. And I hope you enjoyed this look into three players’ career.
~ Coach Mike
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So interesting 🤔 Love the history lesson🤩.
Cool stuff! I enjoyed it!!