Bobby Valentine Tenure

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Lore & Background

Valentine was traded to the California Angels on November 28, 1972, and played for them as a regular starter. On May 17, 1973, he suffered a multiple compound leg fracture at Anaheim Stadium. He was traded from the Angels to the San Diego Padres on September 17, 1975.

In Their Own Story

In 1973, Valentine faced a career-altering moment while playing center field for the Angels. Two days prior to his leg fracture, he was on the field when Nolan Ryan threw his first career no-hitter. The injury itself happened during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Anaheim Stadium. While chasing a home run hit by Dick Green—one of only three such hits Green had that season—Valentine's foot caught in the chain link fence, resulting in a multiple compound leg fracture. This incident ended his 1973 campaign and permanently altered his speed on the bases. He attempted to return in 1974, making 414 plate appearances, but was eventually loaned to the Charleston Charlies (AAA) in April 1975 before returning to the Angels organization later that spring. His time with the team concluded in September 1975 when he was traded to the San Diego Padres.

Reader's Guide

Valentine's tenure with the Angels was exclusively as a player. He never managed the Angels. His managerial roles were with the Texas Rangers (1985–1992), New York Mets (1996–2002), Boston Red Sox (2012), and Chiba Lotte Marines (1995, 2004–2009).

Did You Know?

• Two days before his leg fracture, Valentine was playing center field when Nolan Ryan threw his first career no-hitter.
• Valentine was named Caribbean Series MVP in 1973 while playing for Tigres del Licey.
• He was traded from the Angels on September 17, 1975, along with Rudy Meoli, for Gary Ross.