Born on July 30, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bud Selig grew up with a passion for sports. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied history and economics. After college, Selig served in the U.S. Army for two years before returning home to work alongside his father in the family's car leasing business.
In 1970, Selig became the owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, a Major League Baseball team. He was instrumental in bringing baseball back to Milwaukee after the original Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta in 1965. Selig's dedication to the team and the city earned him a reputation as a committed sports executive.
In 1992, Selig was appointed as the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. During his tenure, Selig introduced several groundbreaking changes to the sport, including the Wild Card playoff format and Interleague Play, which allowed teams from different leagues to compete against each other during the regular season.
One of the most controversial periods of Selig's time as Commissioner was the steroid era, in which several players were implicated in the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Critics argue that Selig did not do enough to address the issue, leading to a tarnishing of baseball's record books.
Selig's parents were Ben and Marie Selig. In 1977, he married Suzanne Lappin, with whom he shares three daughters: Wendy, Lisa, and Sari. Despite his demanding career in baseball, Selig always made time for his family and prioritized their well-being.
Throughout his career, Bud Selig left a lasting impact on Major League Baseball. His leadership and vision helped shape the modern game, and his dedication to the sport earned him respect from players, fans, and fellow executives. While his tenure was not without controversy, Selig's contributions to baseball will be remembered for years to come.
Related links