At the behest of his longtime friend, incoming Commissioner of Baseball Bart Giamatti, Vincent accepted the position of deputy commissioner. After consulting with Giamatti's widow, Toni, he became the eighth commissioner of baseball following Giamatti's September 1, 1989 death. In his first year as commissioner, he presided over the 1989 World Series, which was interrupted by the Loma Prieta earthquake; the owners' lockout during Spring Training of the 1990 season; and the expulsion of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner from the game.
This Rawlings official American League baseball was signed in blue ballpoint pen by Vincent and inscribed, "1989-92." This baseball includes a Great Moments COA.