the season. Texas Rangers The Texas Rangers, who were in last place in the American League West and in dire need of offense, signed Valentine to a minor league pact on July 6, . He played well, batting .314 with ten home runs and 33 RBIs in 46 games for the triple A Oklahoma City 89ers, but it did not translate to major league success when he joined the Rangers in September. He was not offered a contract for , but received an invitation to Spring training that he declined, retiring instead. Career stats Alongside Steve Garvey, George Brett, Ken Brett, Tommy Lasorda and Fred Lynn, Valentine appeared in the "Superstar/Salem" episode of Fantasy Island during the series' first season (original air date: March 25, 1978). Gary Burghoff plays an accountant with the fantasy of being a Major League Baseball pitcher. Valentine is one of his strikeout victims. After retiring from baseball, Valentine took a job with Avis Rent-a-Car earning $4.25 per hour. In his first baseball-related job since retirement, Valentine managed Antelope Valley in the short-lived Golden State League in . His tenure with the financially doomed league lasted just a week into the season. Post-playing career Valentine fought drug and alcohol addiction throughout his career. In September 1986, a year after retiring, he moved from Southern California, and immediately entered drug rehab in Phoenix, Arizona. After cleaning up, he took a position as a drug counselor with St. Luke's Hospital, and began helping others overcome similar issues. He holds certificates in behavioral-health and chemical dependency counseling. Valentine currently lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he works as a counselor at a local church and is a member of the Texas Rangers Alumni Association. He is the co-founder and president of PastPros, a web-based service that allows sports fans to purchase memorabilia directly from retired athletes. Also, 2014 Valentine founded RAFT Recovery inc. A 501 c 3 non profit that coaches individuals struggling with addictive behaviors. His charitable work does not stop there. The program also provides a lawn service for disabled seniors in the Dallas, Fort Worth area and surrounding communities. References External links , or Ultimate Mets Database Ellis Valentine's Official Website Centerfield Maz The Joy of being Ellis Valentine: 'If You Don't Like it, You Can Move to Toronto 1954 births Living people Baseball players from Arkansas African-American baseball players California Angels players Cocoa Expos