It has been welcomed by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and features 12 former players.

Leading the programme will be former Philadelphia Phillies team-mates Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, both of the United States, who helped their team win the 2008 World Series.

They will be joined by compatriots Dylan Betances, Michael Bourn, Dexter Fowler, Jeremy Guthrie, LaTroy Hawkins, Jed Lowrie, Fred McGriff, Nick Swisher, and Shane Victorino.

Japan's 10-time MLB All-Star and double World Baseball Classic gold medallist Ichiro Suzuki then comprises the group.

Between them, the dozen has eight World Series championships, three Most Valuable Player awards, two Rookie of the Year awards, 28 All-Star appearances, eight Silver Sluggers, and 20 Gold Gloves.

"We are thrilled to begin our Ambassador Program, which will highlight the impact that former players continue to have," said MLB's commissioner of baseball Robert Manfred.

"Their active participation in our initiatives will keep them close to the game and help us advance Major League Baseball in the future.

"I appreciate this group's great enthusiasm to support the game's growth for the next generation of fans." 

The players will participate in MLB programmes, represent the sport at MLB events, support the league's international growth, its community work, as well as baseball and softball development programmes.

Members of the Commissioner's Ambassador Programme will attend events such as the All-Star Game, the post season and the World Series, the MLB World Tour, and draft.

"Leading the Commissioner's Ambassador Program alongside Ryan and a group of former players who all share the same passion as we do was an opportunity I knew I couldn't pass up.

"To be working with Major League Baseball after our playing careers and still have the chance to help continue growing the game we all love is a true honour.

"I'm excited for the work and impact this will have on the sport."