Why Has the Commissioner Refused to Vacate the Houston Astros' World Series Trophy?

The Houston Astros, the champions of the 2017 World Series, have not been stripped of their title despite allegations of cheating. This decision has raised questions about the integrity of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the stance of its commissioner, Rob Manfred. Why has Manfred refused to vacate the title and what impact do these decisions have on the future of baseball?

The Controversy and the Commissioner's Stance

Rob Manfred, the current commissioner of MLB, has been criticized for his handling of the sign-stealing scandal involving the Houston Astros. Proponents of vacating the Astros' title argue that the team did not earn their championship, while Manfred has maintained a cautious and procedural approach.

During an interview with Fox Business in Davos, Switzerland, Manfred explained his reasons for not vacating the Astros' title. He said, “‘We haven’t concluded our investigation with the Red Sox so it’s a little hard to take the trophy away from somebody who hasn’t yet been found to do something wrong. ’”

The Principle of Precedent

Manfred is a staunch advocate for maintaining historical records and traditions. He emphasized the importance of precedent in his statement: “‘I am a precedent guy. I am not saying you always follow precedent but I think you ought to start by looking back at the way things had been done and need a good reason to depart from that precedent. ’”

Manfred’s position is rooted in the belief that altering historical records could lead to a slippery slope. He warned that once the door is opened to changing results, “‘I just don’t know where you stop. ’” This sentiment reflects his commitment to maintaining consistency and integrity in the sport.

The Impact on Future Decisions

The decision by the MLB commissioner not to vacate the Astros' title has broader implications for baseball. The issue of cheating, which was once considered an exception, is now being scrutinized. Manfred has acknowledged that cheating is an inherent part of baseball, but he remains committed to upholding the sport’s standards and traditions.

The Red Sox Investigation and Uncertainty

An additional layer of complexity is added by the ongoing investigation into the Boston Red Sox. Manfred’s statement on the Red Sox highlights the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the investigation and potential future decisions. This ambiguity creates a gray area in determining the culpability of the teams involved.

The refusal of the commissioner to vacate the Astros' World Series title is a pivotal moment in the history of baseball. While some argue that the team did not deserve their championship, Manfred prioritizes maintaining the integrity of the sport and adhering to established precedents. The ongoing debate surrounding this decision underscores the importance of tradition and the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with moral integrity in the fast-evolving world of professional sports.