The Sacred Heart University sports community got a shot in the arm with the joining of Bobby Valentine, a big name in baseball circles. He was named the executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics by the university, Tuesday.

President John J. Petillo announced the appointment of Valentine. He succeeds outgoing director, C. Donald Cook, who decided to retire end June.

"We recognize that Bobby is an out-of-the-box selection, but we believe his entrepreneurial spirit, extensive sports background and love of athletics make him an ideal choice. He is a native son with strong name recognition, and his selection demonstrates Sacred Heart's commitment to its athletic program and to innovation and excellence throughout the University," said Petillo, in a statement.

Valentine was sacked as manger of Boston Red Sox following a disappointing season last year. On dismissing Valentine, Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino, claimed that last year's win-loss record reflected a season of agony.

According to the reports, Valentine guided Boston Red Sox to its worst defeat in more than a decade.

Valentine, from Connecticut, said that he was looking forward to this opportunity to work with Sacred Heart University.

"I have served in a variety of roles throughout my sports career - experience that will serve me well as I take on this new challenge. It is exciting to find an opportunity so close to home where I can use my skills and experience to make a difference," he added.

He was voted by Sports Illustrated as one of the best athletes of the 20th century from Connecticut. After his selection in the first round by the LA Dodgers, his 10 years as an MLB player included successful stints with the Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Mets and Mariners, said the university.

Meanwhile, the 62-year-old baseball great worked with ESPN as a broadcaster and is serving as a television analyst for NBC Sports. He also owns Bobby Valentine's Sports Gallery Café in Stamford.

Valentine's brief profile as furnished by the SHU:

After retiring as a player, Valentine remained in baseball. He was the third-base coach for the New York Mets before being named the manager of the Texas Ran'gers in 1985. As the Rangers' manager, he was named UPI American League Manager of the Year in 1986.

In 1994, he became the first American to accept a management position in the Pacific League of Japan for the Chiba Lotte Marines. In 1996, he was hired as the manager of the New York Mets, where he led the team to the post season in consecutive years for the first time in team history and to the World Series in 2000.

Meanwhile, this is Valentine's maiden job in a college sports administration.

"Bobby's energy and commitment make him the right person to lead our athletics program into the future. He has a proven record of striving for excellence and succeeding," said Jim Barquinero, senior vice president, Athletics & Student Affairs, at SHU.

"Bobby sets the bar high for himself and for those around him. We are ready to take our Division I program to the next level, and we are confident that he can help us get there," he added.