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The Boston Red Sox fired manager Bobby Valentine on Thursday, one day after completing the franchise's worst season in nearly five decades.
"Our 2012 season was disappointing for many reasons," Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said in a written statement. "No single issue is the reason, and no single individual is to blame."
The Red Sox went 69-93 this season under Valentine, finishing last in the American League East.
Boston hired Valentine, 62, last December following the fallout of the 2011 season, when the Red Sox collapsed down in September and missed the postseason. The late-season swoon led to a tumultuous offseason in Boston, as the Red Sox parted ways with then-manager Terry Francona and saw general manager Theo Epstein bolt for the Chicago Cubs.
Known for his fiery personality, Valentine clashed with Red Sox players and the media throughout the season. As early as April, he said fan favorite Kevin Youkilis wasn't "as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason."
And as recently as Wednesday, Valentine accused some on his coaching staff of undermining him.
Despite entering with a star-studded roster and a payroll of over $146 million, the Red Sox were beset by injuries all season. David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford and Andrew Bailey all missed significant portions of the season on the disabled list.
The Red Sox used 56 players in 2012, the most in club history.
"This year's won-loss record reflects a season of agony," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said. "It begs for changes, some of which have already transpired. More will come. We are determined to fix that which is broken and return the Red Sox to the level of success we have experienced over the past decade.
"Difficult as it is to judge a manager amid a season that had an epidemic of injuries, we feel we need to make changes. Bobby leaves the Red Sox manager's office with our respect, gratitude, and affection. I have no doubt that he will continue to contribute to the game he loves so much and knows so well."
Source: AP