NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 09: Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. speaks during a press conference at MLB Headquarters on September 09, 2022 in New York City. Major League Baseball announced today a set of rule changes that will change the way the game is played. The changes will include a pitch clock and a ban on defensive shifts in 2023 that will speed up the game’s pace and increase action. An expansion of the size of bases were also implemented. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has made some changes in MLB, and he vows to not repeat his mistakes with uniform patches.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has spoken out on his plans and changes for the 2023 season, particularly the big FTX issue that unfolded during the 2022 season. He vowed to not repeat his mistakes with the umpire uniform patches, even though the initial FTX partnership was a big deal.
He’s confirmed that FTX won’t return as a sponsor in 2023. Manfred said in a press conference, “The FTX development was a little jarring. We have been really careful moving forward in this space. We’ve been really religious about staying away from coins themselves as opposed to more company-based sponsorships. We think that was prudent particularly given the way things unfolded. We will proceed with caution in the future.”
The cryptocurrency firm is currently under collapse, so it’s a smart move for MLB to end their partnership. It’s tough to bounce back from a patch on a uniform if things go downhill mid-season, as they did with FTX in 2022, because it would require alteration or re-creation of every single umpire’s uniform, as well as re-distribution.
Manfred also spoke on several other highlights during the press conference.
Rob Manfred discussed MLB All-Star Game and Pete Rose
Manfred mentioned the 2024 All-Star Game to be hosted by the Texas Rangers, which will be their first time hosting the ASG since 1995.
He also spoke about Pete Rose’s letter asking for a chance to be in the Hall of Fame and apologizing for his gambling scandal from the 1980s.
Manfred stated, “When I dealt with the issue the last time he applied for reinstatement, I made clear that I didn’t think the function of that baseball list was the same as the eligibility criteria for the Hall of Fame. That remains my position. I think it’s a conversation that really belongs in the Hall of Fame board. I’m on that board, and it’s just not appropriate for me to get in front of that conversation.”
Despite many controversial situations that came his way, Manfred remained professional and had great responses to each. He handled the FTX situation well and made a smart decision to end the partnership.