Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that the club's owners have agreed to extend the contract of Commissioner Robert D. Manfred until 25 January 2029.
Photo: Rob Manfred with WBC MVP Shohei Ohtani, MLBPA CEO Tony Clark and WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari
John Stanton, Chairman and Managing Partner of the Seattle Mariners, who the Executive Council selected to chair the meeting that approved the extension, said: "At a critical moment in the history of our game, Commissioner Manfred has listened to our fans and worked closely with our players to improve America's pastime. Under his leadership, we have been responsive to the fans' desire for more action and a better pace, continued the game's spirit of innovation, and expanded MLB's role in youth baseball and softball. The significant momentum that MLB has built reflects his ongoing initiatives that are advancing the game."
"It is an honour to serve the best game in the world and to continue the pursuit of strengthening our sport on and off the field," said Manfred. "This season, our players are displaying the most vibrant version of our game, and sports fans are responding in a manner that is great for Major League Baseball's future. Together, all of us in the game will work toward presenting our sport at its finest and broadening its reach and impact for our loyal fans."
Before being elected Commissioner in August 2014 and assuming the position in January 2015, Manfred was Major League Baseball’s Chief Operating Officer. Upon joining MLB full-time in 1998, the graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School served as an Executive Vice President, overseeing labour relations, economics and league affairs.
Manfred, a native of Rome, New York, born in 1958, has been married to his wife, Colleen, since 1982. The New York residents have four adult children and five grandchildren.
