If you love Major League Baseball, you’re probably a little bit worried about the future of the sport right now, as things go through so many dramatic changes as a result of COVID-19.  Understanding who is in charge of the MLB is essential if you want to fully understand what is going on with the major league baseball teams that you support.

Rob Manfred: Commissioner of Major League Baseball

Robert D Manfred Jr is the 10th Commissioner of Major League Baseball. He was elected in 2014 by a vote from all 30 major clubs. Since his election as commissioner, Major League Baseball has gone on to continue fighting a labor war with major league baseball players. 

Manfred’s five-year collective bargaining agreement may be an important step in the process of finally reaching an agreement. Manfred also formed an important deal with The Walt Disney Company, creating a new technology and video streaming company.

Goals of Robert Manfred

Manfred wants to expand the participation of young people in baseball and MLB programs. He is also dedicated to continuing to grow internationally and adapt with changing technology. Another important goal for Manfred is improving the pacing of baseball and making the sport more diverse.

Has He Achieved His Goals?

Manfred has developed positive relationships with young people and organizations that target them around baseball. By partnering with USA baseball and USA softball, he is working to encourage casual play and a traditional course towards baseball professions. 

He has also reached out extensively internationally, going to Cuba to watch the Cuban national team play in Havana and to regular games in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and London. The game in London is the first time that the MLB has gone to Europe. He has also spread the game widely throughout the United States, taking it to non-traditional locations.

Robert Manfred History

Before he was elected the commissioner of the MLB, Manfred was the chief operating officer of the MLB and also manned the commissioner’s office in New York. He oversaw Labor Relations, Human Resources, League Affairs, and managed economic issues.

Manfred is a graduate of Cornell University in the school of Industrial and Labor Relations. He also has a law degree from Harvard.

Who Else is in Charge of The MLB?

There are a number of important characters in the MLB supporting international baseball besides Robert Manfred.

Michele Meyer-Shipp: Chief People & Culture Officer

Meyer-Shipp was appointed to this position by commissioner Robert Manfred in 2020. She oversees all human resource activities. This includes processing talent and developing programs to encourage developing talent. She encourages a positive workplace culture with a high level of inclusion and diversity. Meyer-Shipp is also responsible for field office operations. 

Her previous employment was a huge accounting firm, specifically as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Previously she has worked in other task forces and various committees especially encouraging cultural inclusion. She has achieved the top 100 women influences in diversity from the MBA and is a graduate of Rutgers University. 

Chief Communications Officer: Pat Courtney

Pat Courtney became the primary Communications Officer in 2014, after he was appointed by commissioner Robert Manfred. He oversees everything to do with communications and media strategy in relation to Major League Baseball. He is also the primary spokesman for Commissioner Manfred. 

He serves as an important liaison in all kinds of charitable and social responsibility efforts. Before he became the communications officer, Courtney had been with the MLB since 2010 serving as vice president for public relations. 

He is one of the few individuals in management that came from a history in the game itself. Courtney interned for the New York Yankees in 1999 before joining the Major League Baseball as a public relations assistant.

Deputy Commissioner of Baseball Administration and Chief Legal Officer: Dan Halem

Dan Halen received the promotion to Deputy Commissioner of baseball Administration in 2017 by commissioner Robert Manfred. He is also the MLB officer. Halem is in charge of a diverse field of responsibilities including labor relations, baseball operations, legal affairs, diversity efforts, human resources and the department of investigations. 

He has managed a number of smaller but very important projects like the revenue-sharing system, competitive balance tax, and debt service rule. Colin has been instrumental in bargaining with the MLB Players Association and has worked hard on the joint drug prevention and treatment program. He also maintains an excellent relationship with the World Umpires Association.

Keep Up-to-Date On Who is Who in the MLB

If you love major league baseball, understanding what is going on with management, politics, and leadership is important. Follow sports analysis for up-to-date analysis of all of the ongoing pertinent information with the MLB.

It is nearly impossible for an individual to keep up on all of the information that is important in understanding what is going on with major league baseball, but by finding an educated professional like this you can stay up-to-date without the time investment.