STAMFORD, Conn. — Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine will be going to bat for his Connecticut hometown, serving on a panel that will look at ways to improve the local fire department.

The Stamford native is a member of a group created by Mayor Michael Pavia, who says the panel’s goal will be to improve the city’s fire service after years of litigation, mistrust and dysfunction. The group’s first meeting is Thursday evening.

Valentine managed the Texas Rangers and New York Mets before leading the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan for six seasons. He guided the Mets to the National League pennant in 2000.

Valentine tells The Advocate of Stamford that his experience as a manager and representative for the baseball players’ union will be an asset as he serves on the panel.