As Donald Trump continues to delegate his staff, the President-elect reportedly has had discussions with a former big leaguer to fill a significant role.
Bobby Valentine, who played 10 years in the Majors and managed for another 16, is on a short list of those under consideration to be named the United States' ambassador to Japan, according to a report from WEEI.com.
The 66-year-old Valentine, who is currently the athletic director at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, spent seven seasons managing the Chiba Lotte Marines in the Japan Pacific League. After a one-year stint with the Marines in 1995, after which he was dismissed, he returned in 2004 and led them to their first title in 31 years a season later, becoming the first American-born manager to win the Japan Series.
According to the report, Valentine was first mentioned to Trump, who he has known since the 1980s, by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Valentine reportedly is also friends with Anthony Scaramucci, a member of Trump's transition team. In addition, Valentine is acquainted with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and both are former students of the University of Southern California.
There could be additional factors at play -- Valentine is familiar with SoftBank Hawks owner Masayoshi Son, who recently said he planned to invest $50 billion in America's technology sector following a meeting with Trump. And Tokyo will host the Summer Olympics in 2020, when baseball is set to return for the first time since '08.
If he's selected and accepts, Valentine wouldn't be the first with MLB ties to take the position. Former Rangers president Tom Schieffer was the ambassador to Japan from 2005-09 under former President George W. Bush.
Daniel Kramer