(NYC) Commissioner Rob Manfred was reappointed to 2029 by owners of Major League Baseball clubs on Wednesday.
The decision to offer Manfred a third term in a row was made in a vote held by conference call with the 30 owners. This term extension will allow him to remain in office until January 25, 2029.
“It is an honor to serve the best sport in the world and to continue to strengthen it on and off the field,” Manfred said in a statement. This season, our players are presenting the most dynamic version of our sport, and the fans are reacting in a very positive way for the future of the Major Leagues. Together, we will all work to showcase our sport in its best light and expand its reach and impact with our loyal fans. »
Manfred, 64, succeeded Bud Selig in January 2015, when he was given a five-year term. The owners voted in November 2018 in favor of a second term which was to expire at the end of the 2024 season.
Manfred oversaw the implementation of major transformations in the sport, including the adoption this season of a dial to time the time between each pitch and the introduction of a limit on the number of “special defenses” per game. As a result, game playing time dropped by about half an hour, and left-handed batting stats improved.
He also negotiated amendments with the players to hold a shortened 60-game season due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
Manfred also passed a rule that same year that automatically puts a runner on second base in an extra inning, and he managed a lockout that continued for 99 days and resulted in the ratification of a collective agreement. five-year term that will expire after the 2026 season.
As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, the National League also adopted the choice hitter rule.