Robert D. Manfred Jr. on Thursday, February 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.Photo:Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty
Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced he will retire in January 2029.
At a spring training news conference, Manfred, 65, shared that once his current term ends on Jan. 25, 2029, he will step aside from the league, reports the Associated Press.
“You can only have so much fun in one lifetime,” Manfred said.
“I have been open with them about the fact that this is going to be my last term,” he said. “I said it to them before the election in July, and I’m absolutely committed to that.”
Robert D. Manfred Jr. on March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida.Eric Espada/Getty
Eric Espada/Getty
In November 2018, MLB team owners voted to extend his tenure through the 2024 season. Then, in July 2023, he was reinstated to serve for another 5 and a half years.
During the 2015 vote — which was the first contested vote for a new commissioner in 46 years — Manfred ran against Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner and MLB Executive Vice President of Business Tim Brosnan. But Brosnan withdrew from the race before the start of voting.
“I’m sure the selection process is going to look like it looked the last time,” Manfred said. “There’ll be a committee of owners that’ll be put together and they’ll identify candidates, an interview process and ultimately someone or a slate of people will be put forward.”
As for who will fill in Manfred’s seat in 2029, no candidates have publicly announced their intent.
Robert D. Manfred Jr. and Shohei Ohtani on March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida.Megan Briggs/Getty
Megan Briggs/Getty
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As Manfred continues his latest term, he shared he hopes “to go to opening day as commissioner for both Tampa Bay and Las Vegas.” Both teams, the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays, are hoping for new ballparks.
source: people.com
