Former Texas Rangers President Hired by MLB to Run Dodgers

April 26, 2011

Former president of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Texas Rangers, J. Thomas Schieffer has been hired by the league’s Commissioner Bud Selig to run the Los Angeles Dodgers after the MLB stepped in to take control of the club in turmoil last week.

MLB took over operation of the franchise from owner Frank McCourt who is part of an ongoing divorce settlement with his wife whom he sacked in her role as chief executive of the side.

Schieffer has taken over immediately according to the Associated Press. In seizing control of the franchise, MLB told the Dodgers that any expenditure of USD$5,000 or more would have to be approved.

Selig stated: “Tom (Scheiffer) is a distinguished public servant who has represented the nation with excellence and has demonstrated extraordinary leadership throughout his career. The many years that he spent managing the operations of a successful franchise will benefit the Dodgers and Major League Baseball as a whole.”

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said the appointment wouldn’t affect his team’s approach, adding: “It has nothing to do with us. It doesn’t change anything about what we do or how we get ready, making pitches, making plays, being in the right spot, playing baseball. This is kind of year two of it. The fact MLB came in doesn’t really change anything for us.”