I'm Big in Japan

Few in the City That Works are probably aware that half way around the globe one own of their own is a national hero in Japan. Bobby Valentine, Stamford native and local restaurateur is plastered across the Japanese pop culture landscape from street signs, to beer, to hamburgers. He is a guest professor at 4 universities, dances in music videos, and makes more money than any manager in professional baseball stateside. The former manager of the Mets & Rangers took the helm of the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2004 (he actually had an earlier stint in Japan before coming back to the Mets) and since has made the team to perennial favorites and a delivered national championship. In a league were it is not uncommon for managers to physically assault their players, Bobby’s positive, encouraging attitude that's been coined "Bobby Magic" stands out.

Three NYU students traveled to Japan to make a documentary on Valentine that recently premiered at the Tribecca Film Fest to positive reviews. Check out a preview clip here. The Zen Of Bobby V will have it’s television premiere on ESPN Thursday, May 13th. How cool would it be if the Avon stepped up and did a showing?

On a random aside, anyone remember when Bobby V was ejected from a game only to return to the dugout in disguise?


As another random aside, why Bobby V's in Stamford doesn't not serve BoBeer is beyond me!