Bobby Valentine and the Boston Red Sox recently left Seattle after splitting a four game series. Bobby shared an amusing story about his previous Seattle visit, which was to interview for the manager job that Eric Wedge eventually scored.
Everything was on the QT, and Bobby was registered into the hotel under an alias. “I had a few hours to play with, so I went to the gym. I worked up a lather. Afterwards, I headed back to the room. Then I realized I didn’t have my room key.” Bobby V went to the front desk and explained his situation. “What’s your name?” said the young lady at the desk. “I can’t tell you,” Bobby said. Of course, he didn’t have his wallet. And, he didn’t know the alias that that the Mariners had used for him.
There’s Bobby V dripping wet, frustrated, running short on time and getting antsy. With the one clerk further exasperating him, Bobby asked if there was another clerk in the back office. Fortunately, the clerk who’d checked him in was there; she emerged and got things all straightened out. Bobby went on to do the interview. He didn’t get the gig and wound up working at ESPN, before ultimately landing with the Boston Red Sox.
One of the great things about my job is the opportunity to catch up with players, coaches and other broadcasters before the games. The stories are endless and always entertaining. Too many to recount them all during the broadcasts. I’m looking forward to sharing more of them here!
