Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. announced the formal launch of the Commissioner’s Ambassador Program, a new effort featuring 12 highly accomplished former players who will participate in Major League Baseball programs, represent the game at MLB events, and support the league’s international growth, MLB Together community activations, and Baseball and Softball Development programs.
The new program will be led by former Philadelphia Phillies teammates Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins. The former National League Most Valuable Players will be joined by 10 fellow former players: Dellin Betances, Michael Bourn, Dexter Fowler, Jeremy Guthrie, LaTroy Hawkins, Jed Lowrie, Hall of Famer Fred McGriff, Ichiro Suzuki, Nick Swisher and Shane Victorino. The group of 12 players combined for eight World Series Championships, three MVPs, two Rookie of the Year awards, 28 All-Star appearances, eight Silver Sluggers, and 20 Gold Gloves across their total of 175 seasons of Major League experience.
Commissioner Manfred said: “We are thrilled to begin our Ambassador Program, which will highlight the impact that former players continue to have. Their active participation in our initiatives will keep them close to the game and help us advance Major League Baseball in the future. I appreciate this group’s great enthusiasm to support the game’s growth for the next generation of fans.”
Howard said: “I’m honored to have been tasked to help lead and develop the Commissioner’s Ambassador Program. Being able to work with a collection of former players, who all meant so much to this game, and having the opportunity to assist Major League Baseball in its continued efforts to expand the footprint of the sport was something I knew I wanted to be involved in.”
Rollins said: “Leading the Commissioner’s Ambassador Program alongside Ryan and a group of former players who all share the same passion as we do was an opportunity I knew I couldn’t pass up. To be working with Major League Baseball after our playing careers and still have the chance to help continue growing the game we all love is a true honor. I’m excited for the work and impact this program will have on the sport.”
Members of the Commissioner’s Ambassador Program will attend jewel events such as the All-Star Game, the post season and the World Series, the MLB World Tour featuring regular season play outside of United States and Canada, the MLB Draft, the MLB Draft Combine and more. The group will participate in ancillary festivities surrounding each event, MLB Together community programs, and MLB’s youth baseball and softball development initiatives around the country. In addition, the former players will serve as liaisons to current and future players as it pertains to their on-field and off-field development. Members of the Commissioner’s Ambassador’s Program also will have the opportunity to network, pursue post-playing career goals in such areas as baseball operations and broadcasting, and receive personal branding resources.
