DR. CHARLES STEINBERG is returning to the Red Sox as a Senior Advisor to President & CEO LARRY LUCCHINO. Steinberg, who previously worked from the franchise from '02-07, has been a Senior Advisor to MLB Commissioner BUD SELIG since '10. Lucchino in a statement said, "The 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park marks an extraordinary time in the history of the Red Sox, and our ownership group was eager to have 'Dr. Charles' return to be an active and creative participant." Steinberg began with career with the Orioles in '77. He then worked for the Padres from '95-'02 and the Dodgers from '07-10 (Red Sox). Lucchino said Steinberg's role with the club will differ somewhat from his first stint in Boston, where he was Exec VP/Public Affairs, though the full scope of his duties has yet to be defined. Among his initial tasks is assisting with celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park, as well as helping the franchise move on from its on-field collapse last September. "The first thing I need to do is come in with really big ears," Steinberg said. "There is a tremendous opportunity here to work with ownership and ensure the connections are healthy with our dynamic, international fan base. That's probably the thing I immediately look forward to doing -- helping the organization with its relationship with Red Sox Nation." Steinberg said it was Selig who initially broached with him the prospect of returning to Boston, following a meeting the commissioner had late last month with Red Sox ownership. "I loved working with the commissioner. It was an extraordinary experience," Steinberg said. "But he said this would be good for the game, and I'm very grateful for the chance to work again with this talented front office." Steinberg has worked for Lucchino off and on for most of the last 25 years (Eric Fisher, SportsBusiness Journal). Selig said, "It seems fitting that he will now be able to take part in planning the festivities for the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park" (BOSTON.com, 2/17). In Boston, Dan Shaughnessy wrote Steinberg is the "man most responsible for the multilayered game-day experience at Fenway today. The Sox would do well to use his skill set on player presentation this week" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/19).
