The 2022 World Series is making history in a not so good way. For the first time since 1950 there are no US-born black players in the World Series.
Houston Manager Dusty Baker, who is one of two Black MLB managers, was asked for his thoughts at the Astros media day last Thursday. “Well, I don’t think that that’s something that baseball should really be proud of. It looks bad,” Baker said. “It lets people know that it didn’t take a year or even a decade to get to this point.”
This should not be a surprise to anyone who follows baseball. In the late 60’s and early 70’s black players made up over 20% of all MLB rosters. Since then, there has been a steady decline to the point that black players in 2022 represented only 7.2% of all players.
There are many factors contributing to this decline. One factor is significant reduction in funding for sports by municipalities and public schools. Many schools require the player to provide their own bats, gloves, shoes, jackets, and equipment bags. For most players, this will be a minimal cash outlay of over $600. In addition, some schools have implemented pay to pay policies. In addition, players are required to participate in fund raising activities. For families struggling to make ends meet, baseball is not an option for their children.
Another factor is the proliferation of travel baseball, which now starts at ages 6 in many areas. Travel baseball requires a substantial financial contribution by the parents in the form of fees, equipment, uniforms, transportation, overnight accommodations, childcare and food. As a result, youth baseball is no longer affordable and available for people without financial means, access to transportation, child care, equipment and appropriate facilities.
Another factor is the tremendous increase in the popularity of football and basketball, where people of color made up 71% of the NFL players and 73% of the NBA players in 2021. In football and basketball, it is not unusual to see players as young as 21 and 22 having a major impact at the professional level. While in baseball, it is very rare that players become successful prior to 25. Young black athletes see basketball and football as better opportunities to reach athletic fame.
When you consider the above factors, it is was only a matter of time before there were no African Americans participating in the World Series.
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Today was special. I cannot remember the last time I played golf on November 1, in such glorious weather. Golf pants and a golf shirt was all that was needed. Even then I worked up a sweat while walking the course. It was a glorious way to spend November 1. I hope it continues for another couple of weeks.
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Orchid of the Day: MSU football coach Mel Tucker. Since the “tunnel incident” he has been straightforward and transparent in his response. No excuses given. His actions today is just another example of the leadership he has shown in a very difficult time for him and his team.
MSU announced the indefinite suspension of four more players today following Saturday’s post game tunnel incident. Included in today’s suspension is Jacoby Windmon, a three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week this season. Windmon was in the video released by ABC near U of M players Green and Crump. He has started all eight games between defensive end and linebacker and leads the nation with six forced fumbles and a team-high 5.5 sacks among his 49 tackles. Windmon also has an interception and a fumble recovery.
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Elections Matter. Pray for peace and tolerance. What are you doing to stop the violence and mass killings?
Quote of the Day: “But that doesn’t excuse this. College kids should be able to shake hands and walk up a ramp after a game. It’s called respect and sportsmanship, and it’s something sorely missing these days.” Jeff Seidel, Free Press sportswriter
Onion of the Day: Cockroaches for taking over a neighborhood in Wyandotte causing city officials to cancel trick or treating last night in the neighborhood to prevent to spread of the ugly little devils.
Question of the Day: What difference does it make as to why the two Michigan players were in the tunnel and not with their team on the field? Why is that question important?
Video/Image of the Day:
The Phillies are off and running in game three of the World Series