NEW YORK — New Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred wants to increase participation in the sport among America's youth and modernize the game without interfering with its history and traditions. In a letter to fans published on MLB.com Sunday, his first day on the job, Manfred outlined his ambitions for the sport. MLB's former chief operating officer, Manfred, 56, takes over the top post from Bud Selig, who stepped down after 22 years as commissioner. The change comes at a time when baseball's national TV ratings are in decline amid concerns the game is too slow to interest today's youth. — Reuters
