Hall of Famer Joe Torre becomes general manager for Team USA

NEW YORK (AP) Hall of Famer Joe Torre has been chosen as the general manager for Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Torre currently serves as Major League Baseball's chief baseball officer.

MLB made the announcement Thursday. Jim Leyland was previously picked to manage Team USA in next year's tournament.

The 75-year-old Torre was a nine-time All-Star and NL MVP, then managed the New York Yankees to four World Series championships.

Torre managed Team USA in the 2013 WBC. The team lost in the second round.

''I'm excited to be involved again,'' Torre said in a statement. ''I had a taste of international play in 2013 and was disappointed that we didn't advance further.''