NEW YORK, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball Thursday hired Bob
Watson as its new dean of discipline.
Watson, a two-time All-Star and former general manager, was
named vice president of on-field operations. He replaces Frank
Robinson, who last week became manager of the Montreal Expos, a
franchise now run by the commissioner's office.
The 55-year-old Watson, who was hired by MLB in December 2000 to
supervise pace of games, will handle player discipline, time of
games, uniform policy, stadium configuration and all other
on-field matters. He will report directly to Sandy Alderson, MLB executive vice
president.
"Bob Watson brings years of invaluable experience - both as a
player and executive - to this position," said Alderson. "Bob's
vast knowledge and understanding of the game make him the
perfect choice to handle player discipline and other on-field
matters."
Watson played 19 seasons in the major leagues for the Houston
Astros, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves. He
became baseball's first African-American general manager when
the Astros promoted him in 1993. He also worked in that
capacity for the Yankees from 1995-97, winning a World Series in
1996.
"I look forward to the responsibilities and challenges of this
position," Watson said. "I learned a great deal working with
Frank Robinson and it's an honor to follow in the footsteps of a
Hall of Famer like him."
Watson has spent nearly 40 years in professional baseball as a
player, coach and executive.
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