President headed to Toronto

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Indians President Mark Shapiro is leaving the club after this season to run Toronto’s front office.

Shapiro, who has had several prominent roles in his 24 season with Cleveland, will become the Blue Jays’ next president and CEO. He said he’s taking on a “unique opportunity” with mixed emotions.

Shapiro will replace Toronto CEO Paul Beeston, who is retiring. The Blue Jays have been looking for a top executive for months.

“Mark is a seasoned baseball veteran, whose leadership, drive for excellence and commitment to all aspects of the game is impressive,” Blue Jays Chairman Edward Rogers said. “We have confidence that he is the right person to lead the Toronto Blue Jays into the future and build upon the franchise’s legacy.”

Shapiro has been with Cleveland since 1992, when he began as an assistant in baseball operations. He spent four years as the team’s minor league director and three as vice president before becoming general manager in 2001. The Indians made the playoffs twice with Shapiro calling the shots before he took over as team president in 2010.

“I really spent exactly half my life here,” Shapiro said. “That’s incredible. It’s hard to imagine the path this has been, the journey it has been.”

Shapiro said the decision to leave Cleveland is difficult, and owner Paul Dolan said he will not look for a replacement.

Dolan said the president’s responsibilities will be spread among other front- office members. Also, Shapiro’s departure will not affect GM Chris Antonetti or Manager Terry Francona, who said he will not use an opt- out clause in his contract to get out of his deal.

“Given the person that Mark is, the significant leadership and values that he has brought to the organization and with everything he has helped us accomplish, it will be extremely difficult to see him leave,” Dolan said.

Entering Monday night’s game, the Indians had won five consecutive games to move back into the American League wild- card picture.