Bobby Valentine's managerial career, which started in Texas, moved to New York and then all the way to Japan, will begin what should be a fascinating next chapter on Thursday, when he is unveiled by the Red Sox at a 5:30 p.m. ET Fenway Park news conference.

The man known throughout baseball as "Bobby V" is relinquishing his ESPN microphone to become the 45th manager in the storied history of the Red Sox.