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Bud Selig to get $6M annual pension, serve as commissioner emeritus
Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig will officially retire from his position on Jan 25, ending his 22-year run in baseball's most powerful position. But by no means is he going away. On Friday, it was announced by incoming commissioner Rob Manfred that Selig will still have a prominent voice as an adviser under his regime.
Selig's official title will be commissioner emeritus. It's both a respectful way to honor his service and a fancy way to essentially label him an adviser or mentor. It's also a title that apparently pays well. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Selig will earn an annual pension of around $6 million once he officially steps down.
Here's more on his new role.
Major League Baseball Commissioner-Elect Rob Manfred today announced that he has given the sport's longtime leader, Allan H. (Bud) Selig, the title of Commissioner Emeritus, which will be effective on January 25th, when he officially retires as Commissioner. As Commissioner Emeritus, Selig will be available to advise Manfred and to assist with special projects as Manfred begins his term as Commissioner.
Manfred said: "Commissioner Selig has had an unparalleled career of decorated service to the National Pastime, and this role will allow the game to benefit from his unmatched institutional knowledge, experience and relationships. I could not ask for a finer mentor during this transition process, and I am grateful that Commissioner Selig will continue to be available to me as a resource."
Manfred was viewed as Selig's hand-picked successor, so there's obviously a strong relationship based in respect and trust between the two men. Given that relationship and Selig's firmly established working relationship with the owners, it does make sense to keep him nearby in case a crisis breaks out or an opinion is needed. However, in some ways it may prevent Manfred from making his own mark, at least initially, knowing that Selig will retain a great deal of influence.
In that regard, it may not go over too well with people seeking immediate changes to the game, but at this point there really aren't too many changes that are noticeably required. Manfred seems to be mainly focused on making as smooth as of a transition as possible. The feather-ruffling will come later, if need be.
As for Selig's thoughts on his new position.
Selig said: "I greatly appreciate the opportunity to stay connected to the game in this new capacity. I will be proud to stand behind Rob's vision for the future and to assist in any ways that he asks. Baseball is the greatest game in the world, and I look forward to seeing our sport flourish under Rob's leadership."
It's a nice gig if you can get it. Respect him or not though, Selig undeniably put in the work required
As for Selig's pension, MLB spokesman Pat Courtney told ESPN that the league will not reveal compensation but said the $6 million a year figure is inaccurate. At this point, we're only left to guess what the figure truly is, but we're assuming Olney didn't just pull that number out of nowhere.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
