The crises in front of a commissioner can shift at any time.  At the moment, Rob Manfred is closely monitoring a federal investigation into allegations that the St. Louis Cardinals illegally infiltrated the database of the Houston Astros.  Of lesser concern, but still a potential embarrassment, is the possibility that eight Kansas City Royals will be voted to start the All-Star Game next month. 

But Manfred’s overarching agenda never changes.  His first public appearance after being elected last August was at the Little League World Series.  And in January, just before taking over for Bud Selig, Manfred said his top priority would be expanding baseball through youth participation — in or out of organized leagues. 

“My parents’ backyard had a hedge around it that was a great outfield wall,” said Manfred, 56, who grew up in Rome, N.Y. “I can remember periodically somebody would take out one of those trees in the hedge, and my father, who always kept a nice yard, would be mad.  My mother would say, ‘Well, what do you want to do — grow kids, or trees?’ ” 

It is an idyllic American scene, to be sure — children playing ball on their own — and consistent with baseball’s image as the national pastime.  But there is a strategic reason for wanting to preserve it.  If children play baseball, they are much more likely to be fans and consumers when they grow up.