MLB Launches Commissioner’s Ambassador Program To Expand Baseball’s Presence
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 07:42PM By Barry Janoff
August 22, 2023: Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins are part of a group of a dozen former MLB players who comprise the Commissioner’s Ambassador Program, a new platform that will “represent the game at MLB events, and support the league’s international growth, MLB Together community activations, and its Baseball & Softball Development programs.”
The 12-man roster also includes Dellin Betances, Michael Bourn, Dexter Fowler, Jeremy Guthrie, LaTroy Hawkins, Jed Lowrie, Fred McGriff, Ichiro Suzuki, Nick Swisher and Shane Victorino.
“We are thrilled to begin our Ambassador Program, which will highlight the impact that former players continue to have,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said via the league.
“Their active participation in our initiatives will keep them close to the game and help us advance Major League Baseball in the future. I appreciate this group’s great enthusiasm to support the game’s growth for the next generation of fans.”
MLB said Raul Ibañez, former player who is now the MLB svp for on-Field operations, and former player CC Sabathia, currently a special assistant to the commissioner, played "pivotal roles” in the creation of the Commissioner’s Ambassador Program.
Members of the group will attend jewel events on the MLB calendar including the All-Star Game, post-season games, the MLB World Tour, MLB Draft and Draft Combine.
They will also participate in MLB Together community programs and youth baseball initiatives nationwide and “work as liaisons to current and future players and will have the chance to learn more about baseball operations and broadcasting opportunities.”
“Leading the Commissioner’s Ambassador Program alongside Ryan and a group of former players who all share the same passion as we do was an opportunity I knew I couldn’t pass up,” Rollins said via MLB.
“To be working with Major League Baseball after our playing careers and still have the chance to help continue growing the game we all love is a true honor. I’m excited for the work and impact this program will have on the sport.”
In total, the 12 players have combined for eight World Series victories, three MVPs, two Rookie of the Year Awards, 28 All-Star appearances, eight Silver Sluggers, 20 Gold Gloves and a Hall of Fame selection (McGriff) across 175 combined seasons of Major League experience.
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