NHL Wraparound Celebrity Series - Bobby Valentine - July 23, 2025

After a brief break following the long NHL season, Vic and Neil open a new franchise titled "Celebrity Series." With baseball in full swing, no better place to premiere than with an MLB icon who has made a significant impact abroad as well.

Bobby Valentine, former player and manager, recalls memorable moments during the course of his career both in the States and in Japan while also sharing the importance of giving back.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:26] - Bobby Valentine and Neil discuss the photo of Valentine taken with the Stanley Cup at Shea Stadium though there's some question of when the shot was taken.

[04:03] - Valentine talks about playing summer baseball in 1967 in the Cape Cod league under long-time NHL executive Lou Lamoriello.

[06:04] - The differences and similarities Bobby sees in terms of how baseball and hockey players are handled.

[07:23] - Valentine shares how he ended up managing in Japan.

[09:21] - Thoughts on Shohei Otani, a truly generational talent.

[11:34] - Bobby's influence on bringing some American culture to the Japanese fans.

[14:12] - "The Disguise" prompted by one of the most obscure rules in baseball and how it became part of Mets lore as they galvanized down through the summer to qualify for the playoffs that fall.

[19:32] - With the 24th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks coming up, recollections of the Mets first game back ten days later and the dramatic game winning home run by Mike Piazza.

[23:07] - Giving back has always been important to Valentine. Whether it's doing something creative or simply straightforward, the importance of what was learned early on continues to this day.

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