Valentine's Day comes early in Blacksburg

BLACKSBURG — There may not be a bigger Boston Red Sox fan than Virginia Tech baseball skipper Pete Hughes.

So imagine his elation when new Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine agreed to speak at the Hokies “Baseball Night in Blacksburg” event Friday night.

Actually, Hughes, a native of Brockton, Mass., was excited that Valentine kept his promise.

Valentine was an ESPN analyst in July when he initially agreed to come to Tech. He was introduced as the Red Sox new manager back in December, and he still honored his commitment to the Hokies.

“He’s as busy as he’s ever been in his life. He is personally flying to meet with everyone on the Red Sox roster, and then [he’s] got to mix in a trip to Blacksburg, so absolutely I would have understood [if he had to cancel],” Hughes said. “I’m blown away by his generosity and the type of guy he is.”

The 61-year old Valentine said there was never a question he would make the trip to Blacksburg, even though pitchers and catchers report Feb. 19.

Valentine, who grew up a big New York Giants fan and is a close friend of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, also has a trip to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl planned for Sunday.

“When I was asked, I said I’d do it, and it was on the schedule, and I never had a conflict for this particular day,” said Valentine, a Stamford, Conn., native. “There were some other things that I could do, but this was on the schedule. I was able to fly out this morning and I’ll fly out tomorrow morning without missing a beat.”

Valentine, a former major league player who managed the Texas Rangers from 1985-92 and the New York Mets from 1996-2002, returns to the majors after spending six years as the manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japan League and the last two as an ESPN analyst.

He inherits a team that is stocked with talent but still trying to get over an epic collapse last season. The Red Sox blew a big September lead in the American League East Division and missed the playoffs altogether.

Valentine is getting used to a Red Sox fan base that is as passionate as any other. He is well aware that last season didn’t sit well with Red Sox Nation.

“A lot of them are still tasting a sour taste from last year, but they’re keeping me separate from that,” Valentine said. “They’ll include me as soon as they lose a game. The reception has been incredible. I can’t believe how many fans are passionately committed to that team. It’s unbelievable.”

Hughes is ready to see his Red Sox back in the World Series championship hunt again this season. And he’s thrilled Valentine is at the helm.

He was excited to have Valentine come and be a part of his team’s big event.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s surreal, really,” Hughes said. “I lived and died by the Red Sox my whole life. I grew up listening to them on the transistor radio, going to bed listening to the Boston Red Sox, and to have the manager of I think the most storied franchise in the history of sports be a part of a special night for a program I’m associated with is awesome.”

Valentine spent part of Friday afternoon watching the Hokies practice at English Field. Hughes would be happy to hear Valentine’s evaluation of his team.

“I saw the coaching staff today working with them, and the guys seem like they have the right look in their eye,” Valentine said. “If you’re prepared properly, then you’ll prevent a poor performance and probably do something special, and I’m looking for the Hokies to do that.”