SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — A former St. Louis Cardinals player and manager has been hired as Major League Baseball’s executive vice president of baseball operations.

Joe Torre confirmed the appointment to The Associated Press on Saturday before Commissioner Bud Selig was to make the announcement at the spring facility for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

The 70-year-old Torre likely will help Selig in a variety of roles. MLB lost chief operating officer Bob DuPuy last fall after he spent more than eight years as the commissioner’s top aide.

Torre won four World Series titles for the New York Yankees during a 29-year career as a manager. He retired after last season following three years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played parts of 18 seasons in the majors.

Copyright Associated Press