Rob Manfred: The Yankees Fan Behind MLB’s Commissioner Role

In a surprising revelation on the “Pardon My Take” show, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred shared that he has always been a dedicated fan of the New York Yankees. This candid admission has sparked conversations across the baseball community, as fans process the implications of his allegiance to one of the sport’s most successful franchises.

A Lifelong Loyalty to the Yankees

Rob Manfred, who hails from Rome, New York, near Utica, attributes his Yankee fandom to the team’s remarkable success during the 1960s and 1970s. When asked about his viewing habits, Manfred stated:

"I watch a lot of baseball. I grew up a Yankee fan. I watch a lot of Yankee games, still."

He emphasized the importance of balancing his loyalty, adding:

“I try to balance that off with equal time with the Mets because I live in New York, but most nights I’m flipping between Yankees or Mets…”

This candidness about his fandom has led to a flurry of responses on social media. Users have humorously speculated whether Manfred’s favoritism might influence his decisions as commissioner. Comments included:

• “Is he still giving the Yankees juiced balls to play with?”
• “Well, that does explain a lot.”

A Unique Position in Sports Management

Manfred is notably the only commissioner among the four major North American sports leagues who has openly declared his support for a team within his own league. Here’s a comparison with other league commissioners:

NFL

• Roger Goodell: Grew up a Washington Redskins fan but claims he left his fandom behind when he started his career in the league’s office.

NHL

• Gary Bettman: A longstanding fan of the New York Rangers, yet has not publicly expressed ongoing support for the team since becoming commissioner.

NBA

• Adam Silver: A former supporter of the New York Knicks, he has similarly refrained from discussing his personal fandom in his current role.

Manfred’s Path to Leadership in MLB

Having joined MLB in 1987 during collective bargaining, Rob Manfred rose through the ranks and ultimately became commissioner in 2015, succeeding Bud Selig. His tenure has seen various changes in the game, including discussions around pace of play and player safety.

Key Takeaways

• Yankees Fandom: Rob Manfred’s admission highlights his lifelong loyalty to the Yankees, giving fans an insider perspective on his views.
• Influential Role: As commissioner since 2015, Manfred has had a significant impact on the league, despite his personal biases.
• Unique in His Position: Unlike his counterparts, Manfred’s willingness to embrace his fandom raises interesting questions about the intersection of passion and professionalism in sports leadership.

For more on Rob Manfred and the changes in Major League Baseball, stay updated through ESPN and MLB.com.

As this story unfolds, fans around the league will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Manfred, pondering how his love for the Yankees might shape the future of baseball.