MLB Renews Commissioner Bud Selig’s Contract Until 2014

Major League Baseball owners have extended Commissioner Bud Selig’s contract for a further two years, through the 2014 season.

Owners have seen no need to rock the boat, nor see any particular reason to replace Selig, who has been commissioner since 1992.

“No one understands the landscape of our sport better than Bud Selig.” said Philadelphia Phillies president David Montgomery in a statement issued by Major League Baseball. “The commissioner’s vision for the game has brought consensus among the clubs and a sense of unanimity that has allowed the game to thrive.”

Paul Beeston, president and CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays, said: “I am very pleased that Commissioner Selig remained open to the wishes of the clubs and has agreed to continue in a role in which he excels. The great prosperity of the game today is a reflection of Bud’s record of accomplishment. He is uniquely suited to handle the demands of his position and serve as the leader of Major League Baseball.”

Selig, 77, called it an “honor to be asked to continue to serve.”

“This is an extraordinary era for Major League Baseball. The focus is on the field, competitive balance is strong, and fans around the world are supporting our game in unprecedented fashion. I am very humbled by the request to stay on, and I look forward to building on the great momentum our game has seen in recent years.”

At $18.35 million, Selig has easily been the highest-paid of the four major sports league’s commissioners. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who makes more than $10 million a year, is the next-highest paid.