Bud Selig
The first Jewish commissioner and when he retired in 2014, the longest serving in baseball history. The long-time owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, Selig had an eventful tenure in reshaping the game. He overcame the effects of a disastrous lockout that wiped out the 1994 World Series. He helped bring in the wild-card format, revamped the All-Star Game, and made other progressive changes. It all led to a period of unprecedented growth and income for MLB. His work was rewarded with his 2017 induction into the Hall of Fame.
Theo Epstein
At age 28, Epstein became the youngest general manager in baseball history when Boston hired him in 2002. The Yale graduate quickly showed his ability to evaluate talent by signing David Ortiz, who had been discarded by Minnesota. Epstein’s other moves led to the Red Sox winning the 2004 World Series, their first title in 86 years. Then with the addition of players acquired by Epstein, the Red Sox won a second championship in 2007. Epstein moved on to become president of the Cubs after the 2011 season. Once again, he worked his magic, as the Cubs ended 108 years of frustration by winning the 2016 World Series.
The Milwaukee slugger exploded onto the scene, winning National League Rookie of the Year in 2007. He only got better, and was named the NL MVP in 2011. However, his image was severely tarnished when he was suspended for using PEDs in 2013. Since then, he has battled to repair his reputation. In 2015, he was named to the NL All-Star team.
A power hitter with several big years for the Blue Jays and Dodgers, Green finished his career with 328 homers. He had a historic day at the plate on May 23, 2002 when the Dodgers met Milwaukee. Green slugged four homers and set a major-league record with 19 total bases.
He was a star infielder for two Boston World Series teams. In 2007, he finished third in AL MVP voting with 29 homers and 115 RBIs. With a distinctive batting style and fans chanting “Yooook” throughout Fenway Park, he became one of the most popular players in Boston history.
Kinsler combines power and speed to make him an offensive force as a second-baseman. He had a career-high 32 homers with the Texas Rangers in 2011. Traded to Detroit in 2014, he continued to excel as one of the game’s most consistent players until his retirement after the 2019 season.
Born to a Jewish mother, Amaro went from being a Phillies bat boy to spending eight seasons in the big leagues as an outfielder, mostly for the Phillies. He went on to serve as the Phillies’ GM from 2008 to 2015. They won the National League East three times during the first three years of his tenure and went to the 2009 World Series.
He enjoyed a solid 14-year career as a catcher for the Phillies. A two-time All-Star, he hit a career-high .313 in 2003.
A standout catcher for Houston and Detroit, he lasted 18 years in the big leagues. Ausmus managed the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels.
The Dodgers’ outfielder served notice as one of the game’s rising stars in 2015. He became only the third rookie to hit 20 homers by the All-Star break. He was the National League’s starting left fielder in the All-Star Game.
He has been a reliable starter for several teams, including the Cardinals and Cubs. He appeared in 2004 World Series for St. Louis.
A symbol of futility and heartbreak. After spending years in the minors, he got hit in the head in his Major League debut. It was his only plate appearance for the Cubs. Seven years later, a campaign was organized to get him another at bat. He got his chance with Miami during the last game of the 2012 season.
Enjoyed a 12-year career as a key role player for several teams. Recorded a 28-game hitting streak for Texas in 2000. Managed the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants.
