Bud Selig will be retiring as baseball commissioner in January after 22 years on the job but still will have a hand in the game.
Major League Baseball Commissioner-Elect Rob Manfred announced Friday that Selig will be given the unprecedented title of Commissioner Emeritus, effective Jan. 25, when he officially retires. As Commissioner Emeritus, Selig will be available to advise Manfred when asked as well as assist with special projects under his successor.
“Commissioner Selig has had an unparalleled career of decorated service to the National Pastime, and this role will allow the game to benefit from his unmatched institutional knowledge, experience and relationships,” said Manfred, who was elected to a five-year term in August. “I could not ask for a finer mentor during this transition process, and I am grateful that Commissioner Selig will continue to be available to me as a resource.”
Selig, who has worked in MLB since becoming the Milwaukee Brewers’ owner in 1970, looked forward to remaining a resource for the game.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to stay connected to the game in this new capacity,” he said. “I will be proud to stand behind Rob’s vision for the future and to assist in any ways that he asks. Baseball is the greatest game in the world, and I look forward to seeing our sport flourish under Rob’s leadership.”
Selig has led the industry since Sept. 9, 1992, first as chairman of the Major League Executive Council, otherwise known as interim commissioner. On July 9, 1998, he was officially elected as the ninth commissioner in baseball history.
On Sept. 26, 2013, Selig announced his intention to retire upon the completion of his contract. MLB did not announce how many years Selig will serve as Commissioner Emeritus.
ESPN reported that Selig would draw an annual salary of $6 million in his new role, but MLB spokesman Pat Courtney told the network that figure was inaccurate.