Bobby Valentine fired as Red Sox manager

The Red Sox fired manager Bobby Valentine after the team's disappointing 2012 season. (Elsa/Getty Images)

The Red Sox have fired manager Bobby Valentine, according to a press release issued Thursday afternoon. Executive Vice President and General Manager Ben Cherington will lead the search for a new manager which will begin immediately.

"Our 2012 season was disappointing for many reasons,” said Cherington.  “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.”

Several of the Red Sox executives spoke about the disappointment of the 2012 season during which Boston finished in last place in the East with a 69-93 record. Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino said:

"This year’s won-loss record reflects a season of agony….It begs for changes, some of which have already transpired. More will come."

And the team's chairman, Tom Werner, stated:

"This season was by far the worst we have experienced in over ten years here. Ultimately, we are all collectively responsible for the team’s performance. We are going to be working tirelessly to reconstruct the ballclub for 2013."