Mets to Host Bobby Valentine Disguise Night
Mets enthusiasts will soon have the chance to embody the iconic Bobby Valentine, a legendary figure in Queens’ baseball history.
The team announced that a Bobby Valentine Disguise Night is set for May 29 at Citi Field, an event inspired by the former manager’s unforgettable antics during the 1999 season. At that time, he was ejected but made a sly return to the dugout sporting a fake beard and glasses.
The first 15,000 attendees will receive a glasses-and-mustache set reminiscent of Valentine’s disguise.
“I love it!” Valentine expressed to The Associated Press, adding in excitement, “I’ll be there. Can’t wait.”
Valentine managed the Mets from 1996 to 2002, achieving a win-loss record of 536 to 467 and steering the team to a World Series appearance in 2000.
The infamous disguise moment is perhaps one of Valentine’s most talked-about memories, and he’s even repeated the look several times since then.
At the Mets’ Old Timers Day in 2022, the 75-year-old Valentine showed up with a fake mustache during his introduction.
He also donned a disguise for a mid-game interview during a 2024 matchup against the Angels while sitting in a booth in Los Angeles.
Valentine found himself ejected on June 9, 1999, during a game that went into overtime against the Blue Jays. He made a dramatic return to the dugout in his disguise, and, ultimately, the Mets won the match after 14 innings.
As a result of that incident, he received a two-game suspension and a $5,000 fine.
This upcoming promotion coincides with Valentine’s anticipated induction into the Mets Hall of Fame set for the 2026 season, alongside former players like Carlos Beltran and Lee Mazzilli. In a previous conversation, Valentine shared that this honor would be something truly special.
In his own words, he recalled his deep dedication to the team during his managerial days, remarking that there may have been moments he thought he would always be with the Mets. He wore blue and orange passionately until their paths diverged for a period. “So, we didn’t know if there was going to be a sequel,” he noted. “May 30th is going to be the most special day ever.”
Valentine believes that his memorable disguise is, in many ways, synonymous with his time managing the Mets. It has allowed him to connect with fans across generations, with even younger supporters recognizing his iconic look.
