MILWAUKEE -- With Bud Selig set to retire as commissioner of baseball in January, the Milwaukee Brewers announced what they are calling the first in a series of initiatives to honor their team founder.
To honor Selig, the Brewers will retire uniform No. 1 during a ceremony at Miller Park next season.
"We are proud to pay tribute to commissioner Selig with this honor for all of his work on behalf of the Brewers as well as Major League Baseball," said Brewers chairman and principal owner Mark Attanasio. "The uniform number being retired in the commissioner's honor is significant, as the existence of the Milwaukee Brewers and Miller Park are a direct result of the commissioner's vision. Without his tireless efforts, neither would be a reality."
Selig purchased the Seattle Pilots just days prior to the 1970 season and moved the franchise to Milwaukee, returning baseball to the city five years after the Braves moved to Atlanta.
He was named acting commissioner following Fay Vincent's resignation in 1992 and became the sport's permanent commissioner in 1998. Selig then transferred his ownership stake in the Brewers to daughter Wendy Selig-Prieb.
Selig, who was honored with a statue outside of Miller Park in 2010, will have his name and the accompanying No. 1 hanging with the retired numbers of Rollie Fingers (34), Hank Aaron (44), Paul Molitor (4), Robin Yount (19) and Jackie Robinson (MLB-retired 42). The Brewers have also honored Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Uecker with his name up with the retired numbers.
"I thank Mark Attanasio and his entire organization for this extraordinary honor," said Selig, who held a press conference Friday at Miller Park as part of his farewell tour. "The Brewers are a product of my hometown's passion for Major League Baseball, and it was a privilege to play a part in restoring the spirit of community and kinship that the national pastime inspires. Knowing the great history of this franchise, I am truly humbled to look forward to a memorable day at Miller Park next season."
Brewers outfielder Logan Schafer, who was forced to switch numbers from No. 22 following the signing of Matt Garza this past offseason, currently wears No. 1. Thirteen different players have donned No. 1 for the Brewers franchise, most notably second baseman Fernando Vina and outfielder Corey Hart.
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