Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig's Statement on John McHale's Passing

01/17/2008 -- Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig issued the following statement today regarding the passing of longtime baseball executive John J. McHale, who spent more than 30 years with the Detroit Tigers, Major League Baseball, the Milwaukee Braves and the Montreal Expos:

"Both personally and professionally, John McHale was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. After his playing career with the Tigers, John became one of the game's most distinguished officials, including in his role as general manager of that club. He was a longtime mentor of mine, and I had the pleasure of serving with him on the board of directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Baseball has lost one of its most respected figures. On behalf of all of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, including his son, our Executive Vice President of Administration, John, Jr., and his many friends."

Source: MLB