Bobby Valentine Signed Japanese Newspaper with Tsuyoshi Shinjo

This Japanese newspaper autographed by then Mets manager Bobby Valentine in English and Japanese (Katakana). The headline reads, “Shinjo will be the 3rd batter in starting lineup on opening day.” This edition is from the week that the Mets signed Shinjo to a Major League contract, making him and Ichiro Suzuki the first two Japanese-born position players in MLB.

Bobby Valentine Career Achievements:

• Manager for Chiba Lotte Marines for 7 seasons
  • 2005 Japan Series champions
  • 2005 Asia Series (Konami Cup) champion vs KBO, CPBL, CBL
• MLB Manager for 16 seasons
  • Texas Rangers
  • New York Mets (2000 National League champions)
  • Boston Red Sox
• MLB player for 10 seasons
• 1968 1st Round Pick by Los Angeles Dodgers