Ex-MLB manager Bobby Valentine loses mayoral election in Connecticut, blames media
Bobby Valentine has recorded another loss during the World Series. Just not in the World Series this time.
The former MLB manager conceded defeat in the Stamford, Connecticut mayoral election on Tuesday, congratulating opponent Caroline Simmons, a former assemblywoman of the Connecticut state legislature, on her victory:
It’s time for me to congratulate the new mayor of Stamford, Caroline Simmons. Thank you all for your support, it’s been my honor. #oneofusfourallofus
— Bobby Valentine (@BobbyValentine) November 3, 2021
Election night coincided with Game 6 of the 2021 World Series, which the Atlanta Braves won to clinch their first championship since 1995.
Valentine's election loss appeared to be a narrow one. Only 125 votes reportedly separated him and Simmons after all in-person ballots had been counted, leaving the election to be decided by 6,000 absentee votes.
Valentine, formerly a registered Republican, had been running in the race as an independent against Simmons, a Democrat who received endorsements from Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and former President Barack Obama, per the Stamford Advocate. Simmons will reportedly be the first female mayor in the city's history.
Bobby Valentine blames media, claims some voted twice
In a combative concession speech, Valentine congratulated Simmons while grumbling about some factors in the race.
According to the New York Daily News, Valentine criticized media coverage of his campaign, which received national attention when it was announced:
“Someone says maybe I’m supposed to thank the media for all the lousy coverage that they gave us or maybe even compliment (Simmons’ team) for the campaign they ran but I can’t do that with an open heart and a clear mind, so I’m just going to say the campaign is over,” he said.
He also implied that some voters may have cast multiple ballots:
“It makes my stomach turn to think that in our city, that they’re actually telling me now, ‘Oh, someone voted in person and they forgot they voted absentee,’” Valentine said.
He didn’t say who the “they” were telling him about people voting more than once.
Valentine isn't exactly known for taking rejection well, and now he won't be adding a political victory to his resume. The 71-year-old holds a 1186-1165 career managerial record with the Texas Rangers, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, reaching the World Series with the Mets in 2000.