In response to Bud Selig’s announcement that he will step down as Major League Baseball commissioner once his contract expires in January of 2015, MLB owners have already announced his replacement: Hollwood A-lister and four-time Academy Award nominee, Brad Pitt.

The 49-year-old actor, who has never played baseball and has publicly stated he has no knowledge of the sport, was chosen among a short list of candidates primarily due to his gripping performance in the 2011 hit film, Moneyball.

A representative for the MLB owners released a statement justifying their decision, which read in part, “While there were many worthy candidates who have dedicated their careers to the improvement of this fine sport, we ultimately felt that Brad was so realistic in his portrayal of a competent and confident team owner that he would be able to at least appear to know what he is doing, which is something we’ve not had from a commissioner in 30 years.”

Billy Beane, who was one of the finalists for the position before Pitt was ultimately chosen, could not be reached for comment.

By Jeff GoodSmith

Jeff GoodSmith