Former Mets Manager Bobby Valentine left MLB for Japan in 2002 and hasn't looked back. He has expressed the sentiment that he would never again coach in the states because they don't play the game the right way here.

It seems that anytime a reporter from the states is interested in the state of Japanese baseball, or whether or not MLB is stealing too much Japanese talent, Valentine is the go to guy.  Because he never has a problem promoting the advantages of coaching and playing in Japan, he has become the unwilling ambassador for Japanese baseball.

Professionally, Valentine has been coaching the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan's Pacific League since 2004.  In 2005, the team won the Japan Series which is Japan's equivalent of the World Series over the Hanshin Tigers, becoming the first American manager to do so.

"Bobby Magic" which refers to his coaching style, has become one of the biggest buzz words in Japan.

On Valentine's Day we appropriately found this great article with info on Bobby V. which touts him as the inventor of the wrap sandwich. 

During his tenure which includes a stint as manager in 1995, the Marines are 288-248-12. 

Valentine managed for 15 MLB seasons and compiled a record of 1117-1072.  He is second on the all-time wins list in Mets history and is the only manager to lead the team thus far to the postseason in two consecutive years.

He also recently opened the Bobby Valentine Sports Academy in Connecticut which offers coaching to youths for baseball, basketball, football, softball, and lacrosse - even yoga for the parents.