Bobby Valentine fired by Boston Red Sox

Bobby Valentine's tenure with the Boston Red Sox has come to an end. The polarizing manager, who was hired at the start of the season to replace the team's most successful manager of all-time in Terry Franconca, has been fired by the franchise on Thursday following the completion of the 2012-2013 regular season.

"Our 2012 season was disappointing for many reasons," said General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Red Sox Ben Cherington, via team press release "No single issue is the reason, and no single individual is to blame. We've been making personnel changes since August, and we will continue to do so as we build a contending club. With an historic number of injuries, Bobby was dealt a difficult hand. He did the best he could under seriously adverse circumstances, and I am thankful to him."

Valentine guided the Red Sox to a very disappointing 69-93 record this season, a .426 winning percentage. Boston finished the season dead last, fifth, in the AL East -- 26.0 games behind the division-winning New York Yankees and 24.0 games out of a playoff spot. Valentine, who has managed for 16 seasons, now has a 1186-1165 managerial record.