New Jersey

Ex-Mets Player John Valentin Was Driving SUV That Launched Into NJ Building

The SUV that slammed into a building in New Jersey Thursday was being driven by former New York Met John Valentin, authorities say. 

Valentin, 50, and his mother were injured when the SUV crashed into the front of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey in Red Bank, according to police. 

The former infielder, who lives in Holmdel, New Jersey, was driving along Route 35 on Thursday when the SUV left the roadway. More than half the SUV went into the building, which was unoccupied because the agency is moving.

The police chief says Valentin and his 71-year-old mother sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

McConnell says Valentin may have suffered a medical problem prior to the crash.

Valentin played for the Red Sox from 1992 to 2001, and finished his major league career with the New York Mets in 2002. He spent two years as an assistant hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers after his playing career was over.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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