Former MLB manager Bobby Valentine is running for mayor in Stamford, Connecticut

Former Major League Baseball player and manager Bobby Valentine announced Friday that he is running for mayor of his hometown in Connecticut.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968, Valentine played in the majors until 1979. He went on to become the manager of the Texas Rangers in 1985, later the New York Mets, whom he led to the 2000 World Series, and most recently the Boston Red Sox in 2012. He was fired by the Red Sox after just one season when the team finished 69-93.

He also won the Japan Series title with the Chiba Lotta Marines in 2005.

"It's been great to see Stamford grow the way it has grown over the years and I want to lead us into that new world that Stamford will be in the future," Valentine said in a campaign video asking for support.

Valentine, 70, is currently the athletic director of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, where he has been leading athletics since June 2013.

"The greatest commodity I have is my time and I want to give my time and my energy and my wherewithal back to the city that has given me so much over my lifetime," said Valentine, who was born in Stamford.

Running as an independent candidate, Valentine is facing state Rep. Caroline Simmons and Democrat incumbent David Martin.

Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ex-MLB manager Bobby Valentine is running for mayor in Stamford