It’s easy to tell that Bud Selig, Major League Baseball’s commissioner, is a lifer, a true old-school fan with his dream job. He tells great stories about being a fan, a lifelong friend of icons like Hank Aaron, and is famous for being energetic when watching games live.

He loves it so much that this year he re-upped for 4 more years as its top dog, even after he said he would not. But at the Reuters Media Summit, he says that in 2012, he’s done. It’s over. Seriously. Done. Selig, signing off. Over and out. Right Bud?

Reuters: Two years ago you told us that none of your cohorts would believe you when you said that in two years time when your contract was up, that you were going to walk away…

Selig: (interrupting) I am done this time. I’m going to be 78 years old — if anybody thinks I’m doing it after that… I know, I’ve said it seven times and I understand all the concerns, and you are right to have them, but this time (pounding his fist on the table) I’m done. I’ve got four more years. That’s enough. “

For what it’s worth, the next few years won’t be so easy, with a troubled economy threatening to shrink ticket sales and advertising revenue. He’s cautiously optimistic, and hopes to leave the game is good shape, when he (ahem) leaves in a few years.

“The sport has had remarkable growth. And it’s more popular than it’s ever been. I look at my job…. I just want to keep it on an even keel as we go through some very troubled waters.”

(Photo: Reuters)