MILWAUKEE— Former Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig's perspective on baseball’s labor history is unique. Selig is still very interested in the Milwaukee Brewers and Major League Baseball, but the day-to-day pressures and responsibilities of being MLB Commissioner are no longer there. In a 1-on-1 interview, Selig gives his thoughts on baseball's labor talks.
Dennis: I remember that day at County Stadium in 1994, where you had to be the bearer of bad news that the World Series was being canceled. But then your tenure was featured by labor peace. Are you concerned that some of the gains you made are going to slip away?
Bud: Well, that's the way life works. I can't worry about that. You’re right. ‘94-‘95, that was the eighth work stoppage in my career, and in baseball history. And so it was really tough. And. There's a lot of history to it, and President Clinton got involved. It was painful. We made another deal in ‘96, but then in 2002, 2006, 2011, we made deals that were really the best deals in baseball history, in terms of quiet and peace. From 2004 on, they were the greatest years in baseball history in attendance, revenue, all kinds of things. And certainly the primary reason was labor peace. Now Rob Manfred, whom I hired by the way, was with me every step of the way.
Dennis: I wouldn't ask you what you talk about, but does he call you for advice?
Bud: We talk often. I wish him well in a tough situation.
Dennis: You must be relieved. At the end of the day, you’re not in charge of this anymore.
Selig: I used to tell people during labor. They are mad at the owners. Some people are mad at the players. Everybody’s mad at the commissioner. I learned to live with that.
Dennis: You're a student of history. Baseball has always bounced back. Why? Do you assume they'll do that again this time?
Bud: I certainly hope so. I know they're addressing a lot of problems. Baseball has some problems. All sports have problems, but baseball has some problems today that we need to look at. Do I hope we will come back? You bet I do. I think baseball will have a lot of work to do to bring it back, but I have every confidence that they'll do that.