At 92 years old, Bud Selig, the former commissioner of Major League Baseball and a pivotal figure in Milwaukee’s baseball history, remains deeply engaged as the Milwaukee Brewers compete in the World Series for only the second time in franchise history. Selig, who played a central role in bringing the Brewers to Milwaukee nearly 54 years ago, expressed a mix of disbelief and joy over the team’s recent success, reflecting on the long journey that brought the city’s baseball team back to the sport’s biggest stage.

Selig’s connection to Milwaukee baseball dates back decades. He was instrumental in relocating the Seattle Pilots franchise to Milwaukee in 1970 after the original Milwaukee Braves left for Atlanta in 1966. Upon securing the team’s move, he chose the name “Brewers” in tribute to the city’s brewing heritage and a former minor league team beloved by local fans. While initial seasons were challenging, with low attendance and poor performance, Selig maintained faith in Milwaukee’s status as a major league city. The arrival of stars like Henry Aaron, Paul Molitor, and Robin Yount eventually helped solidify the Brewers’ place in the league and win over fans.

Serving as MLB commissioner from 1992 until 2015, Selig’s tenure was marked by significant events, including a labor strike that canceled the 1994 World Series and the sport’s response to the steroid era. He worked to restore labor peace later in his career and implemented stricter drug policies. Despite these efforts, Selig acknowledged ongoing challenges in labor relations, noting that the league’s current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire soon, with a lockout appearing likely. He supports the introduction of a salary cap, a contentious issue that contributed to past labor disputes, indicating his belief that it is necessary for the game’s future.

The Brewers’ current World Series run, where they swept the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Tampa Bay Rays’ sweep of the New York Yankees, have sparked discussions about parity in baseball despite the financial disparities between teams. Selig cautioned against viewing this as evidence that the current system works perfectly, citing the uneven spending of big-market teams and reinforcing his stance on the need for a salary cap to ensure a more balanced competition.

Selig still reflects on earlier Brewers’ postseason heartbreaks, particularly the 1982 World Series loss, which he partially attributes to key player injuries. His passion for the game and the city is evident as he watches the team’s progress from his office overlooking Lake Michigan, maintaining close relationships with Brewers legends and current leadership. In Milwaukee, he is honored with a retired jersey, a statue outside the ballpark, and a dedicated exhibit, a testament to his enduring impact on the game and the community.

Despite the complexities of his legacy as commissioner, Selig’s lifelong dedication to baseball and his hometown team remains clear. As the Brewers vie for the championship, the city’s “first fan” continues to witness a moment decades in the making.