Bud Selig is a former commissioner of Major League Baseball. The spelling of his name is often a source of confusion, as the pronunciation does not match the spelling. The correct phonetic transcription is /bʌd ˈsɛlɪg/. The first syllable is pronounced like the word "bud" as in a small plant, while the second syllable is pronounced like the word "sell" with a short "i" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, unlike the soft "g" that is typically used with "-ig" spellings.
Bud Selig, whose full name is Allan Huber Selig, is an American businessman and former commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on July 30, 1934, Selig is renowned for his profound impact on the growth and modernization of professional baseball during his tenure as commissioner.
As the MLB commissioner from 1992 to 2015, Selig oversaw numerous significant changes and developments within the sport. He played a pivotal role in expanding the league, establishing interleague play, implementing the Wild Card playoff format, and overseeing the creation of revenue-sharing among teams. Selig also spearheaded efforts to address performance-enhancing drug use in baseball, leading to the implementation of strict testing and penalties to ensure the integrity of the game.
Selig's vision and leadership greatly influenced the economic growth of baseball, overseeing the sport's rise in popularity and the increase in revenue. He actively pursued initiatives to nurture both fan engagement and financial success, facilitating the construction of new ballparks and fostering a spirit of competitiveness among teams. Under his guidance, MLB experienced a period of significant financial prosperity.
Selig's contributions to baseball were recognized and honored when he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017. His legacy as commissioner extends beyond mere administration, as he is remembered for successfully navigating the sport through challenging times while leaving a lasting impact on Major League Baseball's structure and operations.