Longtime Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig formally announced Thursday his intention to retire in January 2015. The baseball head said a transition plan will follow shortly, which will include a reorganization of the sport’s central management.
“It remains my great privilege to serve the game I have loved throughout my life,” said Selig in a statement. “Baseball is the greatest game ever invented, and I look forward to continuing its extraordinary growth and addressing several significant issues during the remainder of my term.”
The 79-year-old rose to power in 1992, serving as acting commissioner after Fay Vincent was voted out. Selig formerly became league commissioner in July 1998. His storied MLB management career includes buying the Seattle Pilots franchise in 1970 and moving the team to Milwaukee to become the Brewers. Selig has hinted at retirement since 2003, but ended up renewing contracts in 2004, 2008 and 2012.
[AP]