According to a WEEI report, President Elect Donald Trump’s transition team is considering the ex-New York Mets manager for the role of Ambassador to Japan.
Valentine does have ties to Japan, becoming the first American manager to win a championship there during his seven seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines. He is also reportedly friendly with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who attended the University of Southern California like Valentine.
Japan is hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics, and the nation is highly focused on bringing baseball back to the Games – something that could strengthen Valentine’s case for appointment.