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Joe Torre Resigns From MLB To Pursue Ownership Of LA Dodgers With Rick Caruso

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Joe Torre has resigned as the executive vice president of Major League Baseball to pursue ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I am so appreciative of the chance (commissioner Bud Selig) gave me to see the game from a different perspective by working for Major League Baseball, especially during such a great time for our sport," Torre said in a statement. "I have made this decision because of a unique chance to join a group that plans to bid for the Dodgers. After leaving the field, this job was an incredible experience, one that I enjoyed very much. I want to thank the commissioner and all of my colleagues over the last year, particularly the members of the baseball operations group and the major league umpires."

Torre, who managed the Dodgers from 2008 to 2010, is teaming up with Rick Caruso, President and CEO of Caruso Affiliated, to bid for the team.

"I have great confidence in Rick Caruso's unique qualifications and his ability to lead a successful bid for the Los Angeles Dodgers," Torre said. "In Rick I found a partner who understands consumers and fully appreciates that the Dodgers are a treasured LA institution. Since moving to Los Angeles, I have seen firsthand Rick's dedication to business and the people of Los Angeles. I am very excited about this new opportunity and also want to thank Commissioner Selig and Major League Baseball for providing me with invaluable baseball operations experience over the past 10 months."

"The Dodgers are an iconic Los Angeles franchise, and I am thrilled to partner with Joe Torre, one of baseball's all-time greats, to launch a bid for this storied organization," Caruso said. "Joe has a proven track record of fielding winning teams and I am looking forward to our group benefiting from his unique experience. I am a lifelong Angeleno; I love this city and have dedicated my career to creating world-class destinations that support this community and foster great customer experiences. Joe and I believe in the Dodgers and Dodger fans and know that together we will foster a winning culture and deliver a premier, fan-focused baseball experience at Dodger Stadium."

Frank McCourt and MLB reached an agreement to sell the historic franchise on Nov. 1. MLB accused McCourt of "looting" $189 million from the Dodgers to pay off personal debts.

The sale, which much be completed by April 30, will include the team, Dodger Stadium and its surrounding parking lots.

Last month, Magic Johnson announced plans to form an ownership group with Stan Kasten and Mark Walter.

Analysts say the Dodgers could sell for as much as $1 billion.

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