Commissioner's Statement

Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig issued the following statement today regarding the passing of former Milwaukee Braves first baseman Frank Torre, who was 82:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Frank Torre, a close friend for nearly 60 years and a man who marked the start of a great baseball family. Before my career in baseball began, Frank and I formed a friendship that endured for decades, and I was touched to speak with him yesterday. Some of the fondest memories of my life involve Frank's Milwaukee Braves teams from 1956-1960, and his great play in the 1957 Fall Classic was one of the keys to bringing the World Series Championship to my hometown. Frank's longtime support of the Baseball Assistance Team, which helps the members of the baseball family who are in need, was an illustration of how much he cared about our game and the people who are a part of it.

"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Frank's children and grandchildren, to Joe and Ali Torre, to Frank's sisters and to his many friends and admirers throughout our game."