At 92, Bud Selig remains a familiar presence in the world of baseball, balancing his role as MLB’s first commissioner emeritus with a busy schedule of lectures and classroom sessions.
Selig’s most celebrated achievement came in 1970 when he purchased the bankrupt Seattle Pilots and relocated the franchise to Milwaukee, giving the city its first major‑league team and laying the foundation for the modern Brewers.
The Brewers’ Modern Resurgence
Under current owner Mark Attanasio, the Brewers have emerged as a consistent contender, sitting atop the National League Central and poised for what could be their eighth playoff appearance in nine seasons. The team’s recent on‑field success has been matched by Selig’s approval of several rule innovations, most notably the Automated Balls‑Strikes challenge system that he says adds a modern touch without compromising tradition.
Selig’s enthusiasm for the game extends beyond statistics; he describes baseball as a living social institution that shapes community identity. He still watches games nightly, finding comfort in the rhythm of the sport that has defined his career.
His personal memorabilia collection offers a glimpse into the broader cultural tapestry of American sports. A football gifted by former Green Bay Packers president and CEO Bob Harlan, along with a framed telegraph from legendary coach Vince Lombardi, sit alongside items from Hall of Famers such as Hank Aaron and Warren Spahn.
Education remains a passion project for Selig. He regularly teaches courses on baseball history and its societal impact at the University of Wisconsin, Marquette University, and Arizona State University, where he shares anecdotes from decades of league governance.
Looking ahead, Selig is candid about the challenges facing the sport. He warns that the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement could trigger a work stoppage, a scenario he hopes will be avoided through dialogue between owners and the players’ association.
When discussing emerging talent, Selig draws a direct comparison between rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski and the legendary Sandy Koufax, a compliment that underscores his belief in the game’s bright future. He also notes the excitement surrounding players like Shohei Ohtani, whose dual‑role brilliance he says could redefine how the sport is marketed.
A Personal Reflection
Selig’s favorite keepsakes are more than trophies; they are stories. A football from Bob Harlan reminds him of the intertwined histories of baseball and football in Wisconsin, while a telegraph from Lombardi symbolizes the mutual respect between two sporting legends. These artifacts, he says, encapsulate the social impact of sport beyond the box score.
Even as he steps back from day‑to‑day league operations, Selig’s voice carries weight. His reflections on the health of baseball, the importance of rule evolution, and the sport’s role in community building continue to shape how stakeholders view the game’s trajectory.