3 MLBbros Jackie Robinson Would Be Proud Of Today

 

MLBbro.com was front and center Monday April 15th for Major League Baseball’s annual “Jackie Robinson Day” for the man whose influential style of play still resonates in the game to this day. 

 

While the festivities were going on and every player that donned a uniform wore the number 42, staffers created content to remind baseball fans of the legacy of Robinson. 

 

 

However a “Debatable” video segment featuring Mark Gray and Manny Brown sparked an interesting conversation wondering if the sport of baseball took full advantage of Robinson’s sacrifices. It’s no secret that Black and brown players aren’t nearly represented to the levels of the past, even to the point that on some teams there is currently ZERO representation.

 

 

MLBbro.com has been consistent in monitoring the level of African-Americans in the game. When the 2024 season started, the representation of Black players stood at 6.3 percent which shows there’s a lot more work to do. While on the surface the diversity looks good for Major League Baseball, it applies to all minorities, not just Black players. The 2023 numbers alone show why Manny and Mark’s argument is so important…

• MLB rosters were reported to be the most diverse in all professional sports with a number of 40.34 percent of overall rosters. The number showed a 2.34 percent increase from the previous year.

Now look at the breakdown of the 945 players that were included in the report.

• 59 Black players counting for 6.2 percent.
• 285 Latino/Hispanic players coming in at 30.2 percent.
• 30 Asian players representing 3.2 percent.
• Six Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian players (0.53 percent) and two Native American players (0.21 percent) make up less than one percent.
• Of those 59 Black players on Opening Day rosters, 63 percent are under age 30 with an average age of 27.

The slight improvement this season was covered in MLBbro.com’s segment “The Push Back” by J.R. Gamble.

 

Despite the goal of increasing the percentage of Black players in the Majors, it doesn’t mean Black excellence is non-existent. As a matter of fact, the impact of our MLBbros is evident and in many ways influencing the sport. Three of the last six Rookie of the Year Award winners are MLBbros…

• 2020 American League Rookie of the Year… Kyle Lewis of the Seattle Mariners.
• 2020 National League Rookie of the Year… Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers.
• 2022 National League Rookie of the Year… Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves.

So would Jackie Robinson be happy overall with the diversity of Black players not only as players, but executives and owners? No, not a chance. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be cracking a smile about some of the MLBbros today that are in some ways bringing back interest to a sport that desperately needs it.

 

Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers):

If there was a team that Jackie Robinson would be watching over the others through the season, it would be the franchise he put in the history books, the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the MLBbro G.O.A.T. was with the franchise in Brooklyn, it would be hard to believe that his heart wouldn’t pump Dodger blue.

Mookie Betts would make Mr. Robinson proud for a number of reasons. Much like the Dodgers biggest Icon, Betts shows his talent at numerous positions on the baseball diamond much like Jackie Robinson did in the late 1940’s and 50’s. After spending most of his career in the outfield at the most important spot (center), he has moved his way to the infield the last couple of seasons playing second base and shortstop.

Another Betts influence that likens him to our MLBbro G.O.A.T. is the ability to affect the game as a two way player. Not only is Mookie making a smooth transition to any position the Dodgers need him to play, he is dominating at the plate as well. His home run explosion to start the season was so evident, MLBbro.com had to put him in his own exclusive Chocolate Thunder segment…

 

 

Finally, Mookie Betts could make the biggest impact as an ambassador to the game of baseball. Black representation is not going to improve without someone that can influence multiple cultures which is the way of life today. He is well spoken, talented and can continue to speak about the game of baseball long after he quits playing.

 

Aaron Judge (New York Yankees):

No MLBbro could understand Jackie Robinson’s pressure cooker environment of the baseball world watching his every move like Aaron Judge did a couple of seasons ago.

Even though no one will even match or understand the pressure of Robinson, Aaron Judge was chasing the American League home run record held at the time by Roger Maris. Throw in the fact he had to do it in a Yankees uniform and his chase became national news.

 

 

It bears repeating the racism and unfair treatment that Jackie Robinson had to deal with and the consequences of retaliation affecting history is something Judge or any fan could understand. But to follow the media coverage and horrible takes on the significance of this accomplishment was sad.

Aaron Judge handled the situation with class and continues to represent the Black players admirably while not letting the outside noise get to him.

The similarities that Judge brings to the table is the professional consistency to improving his craft. MLBbro.com broke down how hard this guy works from bat positioning to handling outside pitches and putting them into play.

 

 

Let’s not forget that Aaron Judge is considered not only the top MLBbro in baseball, but the top player period! All of these accomplishments are done in a quiet and classy way. Anyone noticed the New York Yankees are in first place in the AL East… again?

Because of the best player on the roster.

 

Jazz Chisholm (Miami Marlins):

Anyone shocked that Jazz Chisholm is on this list? It’s not surprising considering the Miami Marlins are among the worst teams in baseball that keeps this MLBbro out of the spotlight. But ask yourself this question?

Wasn’t Jackie Robinson the greatest “Influencer” in sports history?

Jackie Robinson doesn’t change history without bringing an element to the game that no one had seen before. Yes, the Negro Leagues had that level of talent, but it was Robinson that crossed that talent over to MLB.

Will Jazz Chisholm match this level of influence? No. However, the way he plays the game and his “Euro Step” after home runs shows a level of swagger that will entice Black kids to watch, play and possibly emulate. One way that is already happening is Chisholm’s signature “Euro Step” being featured in the MLB The Show video game.

 

Are there better MLBbros than Jazz Chisholm on better teams? Sure. But in this day of social media and the importance of self-promotion, Jazz Chisholm does it better than any other.

For now, the lack of representation of Black players is an ongoing discussion and work in progress. For the record MLB has stated to MLBbro.com that diversity is a priority not only on the field but off as well.

 

 

But for now, thanks to the efforts of MLBbro.com covering the excellence of MLBbros at this time, the spotlight will never be dimmed.