Man Who “Hates” Baseball Returns

People in charge are rarely popular but it holds especially true for baseball. From team owners to front offices, everyone comes under fire from time to time as disagreements among fans rise. This time, it’s the man in charge of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred.

Since taking over from Bud Selig in 2014, who was another disliked personality, Manfred’s decisions, like approving the Oakland Athletics Vegas move, have often been unpopular. The pitch clock introduced at the beginning of 2023 is another such incident, although the reduced game time was a success later on. Nevertheless, baseball fans are none too happy with the news of his extension.

Rob Manfred Granted a 4-Year Extension as MLB Commissioner

The Athletic’s Evan Drellich recently reported that Rob Manfred will continue as the commissioner of baseball for 4 more years. Meaning fans will have to bear with him for at least until after the 2028 season. All 30 MLB team owners agreed to extend Manfred because, despite his controversial decisions, he has kept up viewership and revenues.

This enables Manfred to negotiate baseball’s next round of collective bargaining as the current CBA is active until the 2026 season. His existing contract would have lasted until the 2024 season and the extension now enables him to stay until January 25, 2029. He will be 70 by then.

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“It is an honor to serve the best game in the world and to continue the pursuit of strengthening our sport on and off the field,” Manfred said in a statement. “This season our players are displaying the most vibrant version of our game, and sports fans are responding in a manner that is great for Major League Baseball’s future. Together, all of us in the game will work toward presenting our sport at its finest and broadening its reach and impact for our loyal fans.”

However, fans are not so confident about his efficacy.

Baseball Fans Vehemently Protest the Decision

One of the most debatable judgments that Manfred gave was pardoning the Houston Astros during the sign-stealing scandal in 2017. Manfred granted immunity to players in exchange for cooperation, something which fans couldn’t stand for.

Most believe that the Commissioner does not actually like the sport of baseball at all.

Some believe other team owners have doomed the game for the next few years.

One even advocated for fans to have the ability to vote for these decisions as well.

Is this all really what’s best for baseball? Only time will tell.

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