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Tarrytown Resident Chosen to Lead Major League Baseball

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September 2, 2014

Robert Manfred is 10th commissioner in history of MLB.

Manfred, 55, who currently works as MLB’s chief operating officer, will succeed current Commissioner Allan (Bud) Selig, who has served in that capacity since 1992, in January.
“I am truly honored to have been elected by the Clubs of Major League Baseball, and I will work every day to honor their faith and support,” Manfred said. “I humbly extend my gratitude to all of our Clubs. I also thank Bud Selig for his mentorship, friendship and his record of accomplishment as our sport’s commissioner. We have the greatest game in the world, and together, all of the contributors to our sport can make its future even brighter.”

Manfred, who received a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University and his law degree magna cum laude in 1983 from Harvard Law School, joined MLB in 1998 as Executive Vice President, Labor Relations & Human Resources. In that role, he directed all negotiations related to collective bargaining with the Major League Baseball Players Association and the World Umpires Association.

He also was instrumental in bringing a comprehensive drug testing program to MLB by getting the players union to agree to landmark blood testing for the detection of human Growth Hormone (hGH) and a longitudinal profiling
program.

“The unanimous vote of the owners reflects our industry’s position that Rob Manfred is the best person to lead our game forward,” Selig said. “Having worked with Rob for more than 20 years, and knowing the training he has had within our great game, I believe he is an outstanding choice who will bring true passion and leadership to Major League Baseball.”

Bill DeWitt, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of the St. Louis Cardinals, who served as chairman of the Succession Committee, said Manfred was a “dynamic leader” capable of continuing the success of Selig. “Without fanfare or glory, Rob has assembled a long and proven record of helping the game excel in fundamental ways,” DeWitt said. “He combines great intellect and forward-thinking creativity with unwavering respect for the contributions of the game’s many constituents. The owners wholeheartedly support Rob’s vision for the future of the National Pastime, and we are proud that he will succeed Commissioner Selig in January.”
Manfred, who has four children with his wife, Colleen, officially takes over the reins of MLB on January 25, 2015.