Major League Baseball Announces “MLB University” to Foster Career Development & Diverse Leadership in Baseball

Major League Baseball Announces “MLB University” to Foster Career Development & Diverse Leadership in Baseball

by | Nov 18, 2022 | THE LEAD OFF

Major League Baseball today announced “MLB University,” a new career development program designed to prepare diverse, mid-level front office professionals for advancement to senior baseball operations or on-field roles. MLB University will be modeled as both a substantive training curriculum that will teach the skills necessary to succeed in a baseball operations department or on-field role as well as an ongoing mentorship and networking opportunity.

Each MLB Club has nominated one non-senior level professional who has a diverse personal background.  Additionally, five members of the Buck O’Neil Professional Scouts & Coaches Association also have been nominated to participate in this new program. The inaugural MLB University class participated in its first session of the 10-month course earlier this week. The MLB University members will participate in semi-monthly training sessions, via zoom, that will cover a full-range of topics front-offices face, including:

  • Roster Management
  • Payroll & CBT Accounting
  • Player Contracts
  • Salary Arbitration
  • Amateur Draft & International Talent System
  • Analytics
  • Major & Minor League Operations
  • Medical Administration
  • Related topics governed by the Basic Agreement, Major League Rules and MLB Regulations.

The program, which was developed over the course of the last several months, is being led by Michael Hill (MLB Senior Vice President, On-Field Operations). The sessions will be run by various senior members of the League’s Baseball & On-Field Operations, Economics and Labor areas. Importantly, senior-level MLB officials will be involved in both training sessions and ongoing mentoring opportunities, including Tony Reagins (MLB Chief Baseball Development Officer), Morgan Sword (MLB Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations),Theo Epstein (MLB Consultant), and Hill. This group along with Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. will meet with the MLB University members at the Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego for a scheduled in-person training and networking reception.

“MLB University is going to be a critical component of our efforts to make sure that the talent at our middle executive levels receive both the training and industry mentorship that will put them into the best position for success in senior baseball operations or on-field roles,” said Commissioner Manfred. “We are excited about the curriculum we have developed that is designed to teach a wide range of front office skills. Mike has the full support of our office and our 30 Clubs to ensure these individuals have every opportunity to advance.”

“I am excited about the launch of MLB University and the work ahead to help develop and mentor the future leaders of our game,” said Hill. “MLB University was designed to identify high-ceiling diverse candidates and provide the critically important opportunities of training, exposure and access needed for a young person’s growth and to advance their careers. Under Commissioner Manfred’s leadership, this program will allow us to create a deeper pipeline of diverse young talent for future baseball operations leadership roles.”

 

MLB University is the latest component of MLB-led efforts to improve diverse representation of baseball operations and on-field roles. Entry-level pipeline programs for minority and female candidates include the MLB Diversity Fellowship, Take The Field and the Diversity Pipeline Scouting & Coaching Development programs. Currently, 88% of all MLB Diversity Fellows have full-time employment within Baseball, while nearly 30 Take The Field participants have been hired by MLB or Major/Minor League Clubs. The inaugural Scouting Development Program in 2021 led to 18 new hires and seven Club personnel receiving promotions into new roles. The Development Program, which is operated at the Arizona Fall League, expanded in 2022 to include coaching opportunities as well as additional slots for the scouting component.

Bryant Nelson Is A Former MLBbro Trying To Join The Elusive Managerial Ranks

Bryant Nelson Is A Former MLBbro Trying To Join The Elusive Managerial Ranks

by | Oct 31, 2022 | THE LEAD OFF

By Jeff Washington 

Former MLBbro Bryant Nelson sees Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker and envisions being in the same spot in the future. Nelson, who was drafted by the Astros in 1992, wants to be a Major League manager, too. That’s why he has started his journey to become a coach in The Show. 

 

Just Two Black Full-Time MLB Managers 

Baker and Dave Roberts from the Los Angeles Dodgers are the only two current Black managers in the game. It’s a fair question when some ask what steps need to be taken to have more diversity in the dugout and in the front office. 

MLB’s Best Managers Are MLBbros | All Dave Roberts & Dusty Baker Do Is Win…Every Season

MLB Diversity Scout and Coaching Development Program

Last week, Nelson completed the second year of the MLB Diversity Scout and Coaching Development Program. “My dream has always been to be a manager,” Bryant said. “I was drafted as a pitcher. I played six different positions. “I switch-hit. There isn’t much within the game I haven’t done. I know I could help a lot of guys.” 

Nelson was in professional baseball for 23 years, starting in the Astros’ minor league system. He would have stints with three other minor league clubs before making his Major League debut in 2002 with the Boston Red Sox. 

Nelson never got the chance to have a breakout kind of season in order to stick long term. He batted .265 in 25 games with the BoSox. That was his career in the Bigs. But he kept playing all over the world – with stops in Mexico, Japan, Taiwan and Italy. 

Make no mistake about it, however, Nelson did damage in the minors at home. Before hanging up his cleats, Nelson became the all-time hits leader in the Atlantic League. Thought his career, Nelson displayed elite contact skills. He batted .284 during 11 seasons in the minors and never struck out more than 52 times in any season. 

Bryant, 48, is currently seeking to transition into professional coaching, combining the skills he developed over his playing career with the knowledge he obtained at the MLB coaching program. 

“The program really taught me a lot about terminology being used in the game today, better ways to evaluate talent and maturing as both a coach and scout,” Nelson said. “I gained a deeper respect for all the hard work that goes into scouting. “It was an eye-opening experience with Tyrone Brooks and Bo Porter spearheading it. It’s a very good program.” 

 

Dusty Speaks On World Series Blackout 

Baker has been outspoken about the current state of the game when it comes to Black players. This World Series is the first not to have a single Black player since 1950. The member of the exclusive 2,000-win club flat out said “he’s ashamed of the game.” It’s a far cry from when he played in the 70s, when Black players were littered all over MLB rosters.

Dusty has led a record five teams to 12 postseason berths, three World Series appearances, and has won more games than all but eight managers in history.

“I don’t think that’s something that baseball should be really proud of. It looks bad,” Baker lamented. 

Nelson thinks Black representation is important to the sport.  “We’re stuck on about 6-8 percent of Black players at each level,” Nelson said. “And I don’t think the number will I prove until more Black coaches are hired to develop and push these players.  It’s one of my missions.” 

 

Time For Some MLBbro Managerial Hires For Next Season | These Three Candidates Are Overdue For A Gig

 

Changing The Culture 

Nelson is very optimistic about potential future opportunities gained from his experience. “This program has done a good job preparing us for the opportunity, now it’s just about putting the time and work in and getting the opportunity to show our worth within the game.” 

And perhaps, be the next Baker.