Bud Selig, the 92-year-old former owner of the Milwaukee Brewers and former Commissioner of Baseball, attended the Brewers’ first World Series game in 44 years on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Selig participated in the ceremonial first pitch by handing the ball to Hall of Famer Robin Yount from a golf cart positioned in front of the team dugout.
Selig’s involvement with Milwaukee baseball dates back to 1953 when he was a minority investor in the Milwaukee Braves. After the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, Selig led a group that purchased the Seattle Pilots out of bankruptcy for $10.8 million in 1970. He moved the franchise to Milwaukee one week before the start of the season, renaming them the Brewers.
During Selig's tenure as owner, the Brewers reached their first World Series in 1982 but lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. Selig later served as acting commissioner starting in 1992 and was elected as the formal commissioner in 1998, a role he held until his retirement in January 2015. His family sold the team to current owner Mark Attanasio in January 2005.
The return of the Milwaukee Brewers to the World Series marks the first time the franchise has competed for a championship since 1982. Selig remains a commissioner emeritus, holding an office in Milwaukee and teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The business and labor structure of Major League Baseball remains a focus of Selig's public commentary. He continues to advocate for a salary cap, stating it is necessary for owners in smaller markets like Milwaukee and Tampa to remain competitive. Selig's previous push for such a cap as acting commissioner contributed to a 7 1/2-month strike that resulted in the cancellation of the 1994 World Series. A management lockout could affect the 2027 season, as owners under current Commissioner Rob Manfred have again proposed a salary cap.
For the current season, the Brewers are competing for their first championship in franchise history. While the specific opponent and the result of the Friday game were not reported, owner Mark Attanasio confirmed he remains in frequent contact with Selig, including after the recent pennant-clinching win in Los Angeles. The 2026 World Series continues through late October, and the outcome will determine if Selig sees the team win its first title. A potential labor lockout remains a possibility for the 2027 season if management and players do not reach a new agreement.