Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (OTCQX:SPLP) today announced that Bobby Valentine, former Major League Baseball player, manager and executive, has been appointed to the Steel Sports Advisory Board. Steel Sports, a subsidiary of Steel Partners, is focused on putting Kids First and creating a new standard in youth sports and coaching while forging the next generation of leaders.
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Bobby Valentine
Valentine is a longtime friend and collaborator of Warren Lichtenstein, Founder & Executive Chairman of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. and Founder of Steel Sports. Valentine brings decades of experience as a coach, leader, and international ambassador for the game of baseball. He will serve as a key advisor to Steel Sports' leadership, helping advance its mission to put Kids First and develop the next generation of leaders through sports.
"I've known Bobby for many years, and he's someone who truly lives our values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, and Commitment," said Warren Lichtenstein. "He believes in helping others grow and succeed, both on and off the field. His leadership will help us deepen our impact and advance our mission to inspire young people to reach their potential through our Kids First approach."
Valentine's storied career includes managing the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox, as well as leading Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines to a Japan Series Championship in 2005, which made him one of the few managers in history to achieve success in both Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball. Recently, it was announced that Valentine will be inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his impact on the game. With 1,186 career wins as a manager, he has built a legacy defined by leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to developing people. His experiences have reinforced his belief that sports can build character and mold future leaders.
Valentine's journey began under the guidance of his first manager in the Minor Leagues, Tommy Lasorda, while playing for the Ogden Dodgers. Lasorda, Steel Sports' enduring inspiration, played a pivotal role in shaping Valentine's early career. That connection sparked a remarkable friendship that spanned more than forty years, rooted in mutual respect, a shared passion for the game, and a commitment to mentoring young athletes.
"I'm honored to join Steel Sports and support Warren's vision of putting kids first," said Bobby Valentine. "Whether it's in Japan, the U.S., or anywhere in the world, the lessons learned through sports are universal. Steel Sports is helping kids learn life lessons, and I'm excited to be part of an organization that's creating positive change through the game I love."
Martin Brown, President of Steel Sports, added, "Bobby's energy, authenticity, and global perspective perfectly reflect what Steel Sports stands for. He has coached on some of the biggest stages in the world, yet he has always been focused on teaching life lessons through sports. His experience, especially his success in Japan and his ability to connect across cultures, will bolster our efforts to instill our core values in our athletes."
Founded in 2011, Steel Sports has positively impacted nearly 100,000 children through its coaching programs, community service initiatives, and values-based youth development model known as The Steel Coaching System – The Lasorda Way. Through its national network of coaches, teams, and partners, Steel Sports is building a movement to inspire character, leadership, and lifelong success through sports.
About Bobby Valentine
Bobby Valentine is a former Major League Baseball player, manager, and executive whose career has spanned more than five decades across the U.S. and Japan. He managed the Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and Boston Red Sox, and led Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines to the 2005 Japan Series and Asia Series Championships. Valentine recorded 1,186 wins as a manager, and it was recently announced that he will be inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame. Off the field, Valentine has served as the athletic director at Sacred Heart University and has been a leader in education, youth sports, and community engagement.
About Steel Sports
Steel Sports, (www.steelsports.com) a wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., is a social impact organization created in 2011 to put Kids First and change lives through sports. Its purpose is to forge a path of success for the next generation by instilling values, building character, and teaching life lessons both on and off the field. Through The Steel Coaching System - The Lasorda Way, Steel Sports offers kids a positive and fun environment, empowering them to reach their full potential and develop essential skills such as empathy, resilience, and leadership.
About Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (www.steelpartners.com) is a diversified global holding company that owns and operates businesses and has significant interests in various companies, including diversified industrial products, energy, defense, supply chain management and logistics, direct marketing, banking, and youth sports.
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Golembeske
Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
Tel: (212) 520-2300
Email: [email protected]