This past Monday we celebrated Jackie Robinson Day, a day that changed the course of Major League Baseball forever. As the first ever MLBbro, he showed the world what a Black player in baseball could do.

Although we have come very far, there is still much work to be done. There was virtually no movement in the amount of Black players in the league this year, up only 0.2% from last year.

 

 

Major League Baseball Is All In On Diversity & Development 

This is not for a lack of effort by Major League Baseball. Several programs have been implemented to help grow not only the popularity of the league but add more diversity. With programs like the Hank Aaron Invitational giving black players not only a chance to showcase their talent, but the opportunity to meet former MLBbros who have had success in the major leagues. Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr and Dave Winfiield are two of the MLBbros that are instructors in this program.

 

MLBbros Comprised 10.3 % Percent Of 260 Opening Day Starters | Black List By The Numbers

 

HBCU Classic, DREAM Series, Breakthrough Series, Hank Aaron Invitational

There was also the 2nd Annual Cactus Jack HBCU Classic which occurred in February. This game has shined a spotlight on colleges that feature Black players and give them a chance to be on display in a huge setting. The schools get to play a round-robin style tournament at the Houston Astros stadium, Minute Maid Park. Ken Griffey’s HBCU Swingman’s Classic has become a flagship event for Black college players with MLB dreams. 

HBCU Swingman Classic Comes To Texas | Ken Griffey Jr’s Star Shines Light On Black College Baseball’s Brightest

 

 

The DREAM Series in Arizona and the Breakthrough Series, in Vero Beach, Florida, where Jackie Robinson had Spring Training with the Brooklyn Dodgers, are designed to give African Americans opportunity to get exposed to some MLB eyes and introduced to a new fan base. 

 

The Black baseball renaissance must be televised

 

Since the debut of Robinson in 1947, MLBbros have been a force in the big leagues.

However, in recent years, while the sport has become more global, African American participation has slimmed tremendously. There must be support, opportunity, and intentionality in increasing these numbers. Major League baseball is doing their part, and MLBbros of the past must continue to do their part as well as they are the example that it can be achieved.

 

Hank Aaron Invitational: African-American MLB Pitching Fraternity Discusses State of Black Pitcher

 

Seeing is believing, and putting notable MLBbros at the forefront is key in succeeding in this goal. The Chief Baseball Development Officer, Tony Reagins is a black man, who leads the aforementioned Breakthrough Series, and has been advocating for this change and doing his best to aid the cause. The more focus shed on this issue, the spooner it gets better.

 

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