Opening Day should be a time for all fans to celebrate, but with the disappointing percentage of MLBbros in the game (less than 7 percent) it has also become a somber moment for Black fans clamoring for a resurgence of Black players to climb toward numbers we’ve seen in the past.
Per last season’s official numbers released by MLB, American-born Black players made up 6.2 percent of all players, the lowest we have seen since 1955. While there has been an explosion of Afro-Latino and Caribbean-born players throughout the league, the amount of American Black players continues to dwindle.
Numbers Low, But Black Baseball Spirit Is High
Despite the overall decline, the idea that baseball is dead in Black communities across America couldn’t be further from the truth. As we continue to place a spotlight on Black ball players past and present, it’s imperative that we remind fans that the future of Black baseball is beaming with elite talent.
That brings us to Mookie and those Dodgers. Loaded with what on paper is easily the most star-studded roster in baseball, LA can credit Betts for having made the biggest impact on the field so far for the club, and he is in position to once again make history. From a new position.
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts shocked some when he announced that not only would Mookie be moving to the infield this season, but he would also be the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop. Now officially at the position he has always wanted to play, Mookie is poised to continue his climb up the all-time list.
Atlanta is another powerhouse that has an MLBbro poised to take the leap into superstardom. Outfielder Michael Harris II has been a staple in center for Atlanta, and the Decatur, Georgia native has not disappointed. Harris shook off a slow start last year to once again posted solid numbers for Atlanta while playing a Gold Glove caliber centerfield.
If Harris makes the leap many expect, the collision course Atlanta and Los Angeles are seemingly destined for would become a foregone conclusion.
Josiah Gray and CJ Abrams have started the revival in Chocolate City, and this season more bros are headed to help the Nationals climb back into the battle for NL East. Trey Lipscomb is another young bro you should know. Lipscomb announced his presence in the Nats lineup with an opposite-field bomb over the weekend and is looking to stick around long-term.
Down in Miami, center fielder Jazz Chisohm Jr. and Josh Bell have another MLBbro joining their ranks, with former batting champ Tim Anderson relocating to Little Havana in search of a career reboot. If a change of scenery was really all Anderson needed, look for Miami to compete with Philly for a wild card spot.
Ke’Bryan Hayes has been one of the crown jewels in Pittsburgh’s roster overhaul, and soon he will have a young phenom next to him in the infield. Termarr Johnson should be up before the season is out. Scouts have raved about him and he’s looked every bit of the professional hitter he was dubbed when selected.
St. Louis may not be the juggernaut they once were, but their roster is equipped with young MLBbros Jordan Walker, Masyn Winn and Victor Scott II who are looking to restore the feeling in The Lou. With All-star vets like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt still on the roster, this turn-around could happen sooner rather than later.
The list of Black players already making a dynamic impact on the game, combined with the number of players in the minors ready to make that leap should be a cause for optimism. Whether 30 percent or six percent, Black baseball players continue to impact the game on every level.
As we begin the 2024 season, I only have one request–The next time you hear someone say baseball is dead in our community, offer to take them to a game and show them exactly what they’ve been missing.
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