---

Shown here is an 8×10 photograph signed by baseball commissioner Rob Manfred. Armed with two Ivy League degrees, Manfred presides over our National Pastime.

After breaking into service for Major League Baseball in 1998 as Executive VP for Labor Relations and Human Resources, Manfred rose quickly in the game’s power structure. Manfred reached the pinnacle of his profession when he took office of Commissioner of Baseball on January 25, 2015.

Manfred helped guide baseball through the coronavirus in 2020 and 2021. As the world shutdown, so do baseball. His work with the MLBPAA laid the groundwork for the game’s return.

As commissioner of a sport that was waning in popularity, Manfred enlisted the help of the independent Atlantic League. There MLB tried out innovations to work out the kinks.

Among the trials were the automated strike zone, a new rule for extra innings, and a rule that allowed batters to “steal” first base on a swing and wild pitch or passed ball.

In 2021, the Atlantic League moved the mound back 12 inches. Each rule change tried in the league was focused on increasing fan interest. Many of the changes irked traditional baseball fans.

Time will tell how effective Manfred’s leadership is.

In the collection is this photo signed by the baseball chief.