Selig attends final event as MLB commissioner, passes torch to Manfred
NEW YORK - On his final day as baseball commissioner, Bud Selig predicts a future that could include expansion to other countries.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday, Selig says he leaves with no regrets after nearly 22 1/2 years in charge of the sport.
Selig says ''my dream is for this sport to really have an international flavor. Does it need teams in other countries? ... If one uses a lot of vision it could.''
Selig's reign saw expanded playoffs and wild-card teams, the start of interleague play, the use of video review to aid umpires, expansion to Arizona and Tampa Bay, the formation of baseball's Internet and broadcast companies and the start of drug testing.
Selig made his final public appearance as commissioner Saturday night in New York at the BBWAA Awards.
In final hours as Commissioner, Bud Selig receives award for long & meritorious service at @officialBBWAA dinner. pic.twitter.com/8adFpRaCFm
— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) January 25, 2015
"It has been the highest privilege to lead our National Pastime," Selig concluded during his final speech.
Rob Manfred, Selig's top deputy, becomes baseball's 10th commissioner on Sunday.
- With files from theScore.