PHOENIX (AP) — Zion Rose understands the longstanding decline in the representation of Black players in Major League Baseball in the United States. However, the 18-year-old catcher from Chicago, still perspiring from a workout during MLB’s Draft Combine this week at Phoenix’s Chase Field, confidently asserts that change is imminent.
“Just wait and see,” he proclaimed. “We’re on the rise.”
Rose was among the 300-plus players from diverse backgrounds who participated in the combine, engaging in workouts, interviews, and games to showcase the exceptional talent of high school and college amateurs before the upcoming draft in July. According to MLB, approximately 15% of the participants in the showcase were Black.
The collective aspiration is to discover the next Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, or Andrew McCutchen from this talented group, and perhaps even multiple stars.
A recent study conducted by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at Central Florida revealed that Black players from the United States accounted for just 6.2% of players on MLB opening day rosters, marking a decline from the previous year’s record low of 7.2%. These figures represent the lowest recorded percentages since the study’s inception in 1991 when Black players constituted 18% of the league. Furthermore, the absence of a U.S.-born Black player in last year’s World Series marked the first time since 1950.
There are concrete indications that the percentage of Black players in baseball is poised for an upswing in the near future.
Last summer’s amateur draft made history by selecting four Black players among the first five picks, a significant milestone. These four individuals were part of a larger group who had actively engaged in various diversity initiatives, including the MLB Youth Academy, DREAM Series, and the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. These programs have been instrumental in fostering talent and providing opportunities for aspiring players from diverse backgrounds.
In addition to these initiatives, MLB has committed $150 million to a decade-long partnership with the Players Alliance, a nonprofit organization composed of current and former players. The Players Alliance focuses on promoting and increasing Black involvement at all levels of the sport. This substantial investment demonstrates MLB’s dedication to supporting and empowering Black players.
These concerted efforts and investments in fostering diversity and inclusivity within baseball create a promising environment for the rise of Black players in the sport. The combination of talent development programs, organizational partnerships, and a growing commitment to representation indicates a positive trajectory for the future of Black players in Major League Baseball.
The impact of the programs aimed at fostering diversity in baseball is becoming increasingly evident as the younger participants reach draft-eligible age.
Many of these initiatives have been in place for several years, investing in the development and support of young players from diverse backgrounds. As time progresses, the fruits of these efforts are beginning to emerge as these aspiring athletes enter the age range where they become eligible for the MLB draft.
The programs mentioned, such as the MLB Youth Academy, DREAM Series, and the RBI program, have been instrumental in nurturing talent, providing coaching and guidance, and creating opportunities for young players to showcase their skills. By engaging with these programs at an early stage, participants receive valuable training and exposure that prepares them for future success.
As these talented individuals, who have been beneficiaries of these initiatives, become draft-eligible, there is a greater likelihood of seeing their impact on the representation of Black players in Major League Baseball. The long-term nature of these programs allows for a gradual but steady increase in the number of draft-eligible players from diverse backgrounds, ultimately leading to a more diverse and inclusive baseball
landscape.
Rose is among the players who have directly benefited from diversity initiatives, emphasizing the significance of these programs in fostering connections, shared experiences, and representation for minority players. These initiatives not only provide exposure to scouts but also create a crucial pipeline for underrepresented players to connect and find inspiration from individuals who share similar backgrounds. Rose highlights the presence of Black former MLB players and coaches at these tournaments, serving as role models for aspiring players. He specifically mentions the influence of Reds pitcher Hunter Greene.
According to Rose, attending these camps and events has allowed him to meet his closest friends, emphasizing the importance of seeing players of similar backgrounds and being able to relate to them. This sense of community and shared experiences plays a vital role in shaping the aspirations and motivation of young athletes.
Furthermore, Homer Bush Jr., whose father had a successful career in the major leagues, acknowledges that baseball has made progress in leveraging social media to portray the sport as fun and engaging. Celebratory gestures and elaborate routines, such as the swashbuckling routine by the Pittsburgh Pirates, contribute to making the game more exciting and appealing to a wider audience.
By incorporating these elements, baseball is not only showcasing its entertainment value but also creating an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere that resonates with players and fans alike. These efforts help to break down barriers and attract a diverse range of talent to the sport.
Rose and Bush both recognize the significant impact of having more Black players in the big leagues, believing that it can create a positive snowball effect by attracting and inspiring more young minority players to pursue baseball.
According to Bush, representation plays a pivotal role in this process. While he had the privilege of having a father who played in the major leagues and served as a role model, he acknowledges that many aspiring players do not have the same level of representation to look up to. The limited presence of Black baseball players in mainstream media coverage, such as on MLB Network or ESPN, further underscores the importance of increasing representation to inspire and engage young players.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that there are additional factors that influence the participation of minority players in professional baseball. Financial constraints and the time commitment required to develop skills and navigate the competitive landscape are significant variables that can impact access and opportunities for aspiring players. Overcoming these challenges will require concerted efforts to address systemic barriers and provide resources and support for underrepresented communities.
By recognizing the power of representation and addressing these broader issues, baseball can create an environment that fosters diversity, attracts talented individuals from all backgrounds, and ultimately increases the participation of minority players in the big leagues.
The development of a big-league ballplayer often comes with significant expenses. Costs include equipment, fees associated with joining travel teams, and the potentially costly individual instruction that may be required, easily amounting to thousands of dollars per year. Additionally, the time commitment is substantial, with weekends filled with multiple games each day.
Zion’s father, Shaun Rose, highlighted how they recorded videos of other players to share with parents who couldn’t attend, demonstrating the financial and logistical challenges many families face. Zion’s mother, Karin Rose, expressed gratitude for her job as a school nurse, which allowed her to travel with Zion during the summer baseball season while Shaun worked at his barber shop. While they were fortunate to have stable incomes and support from family members, expenses were still a factor.
Zion took an additional step by transferring from Brother Rice High School in Chicago to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior season, seeking to leverage the facilities and year-round baseball-friendly weather. His talent has earned him recognition, with MLB.com ranking him as the 144th best prospect in this year’s draft, projecting him to be selected around the fifth round, with a recommended signing bonus of approximately $400,000.
The Rose family recognized the sacrifices required but credited Zion’s determination and passion for the game as the driving force behind their journey. They expressed gratitude for the support they received from friends and family, as well as their involvement in travel ball.
Former MLB players, including Chris Young, were present in Phoenix to contribute to the combine. Young, who had a 13-season career and was an All-Star with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010, acknowledged that diversity initiatives in the sport help alleviate some of the financial burdens but acknowledged that the high costs associated with baseball are unlikely to disappear completely. He expressed the hope that more Black athletes would choose baseball over football or basketball, noting that those sports have claimed top baseball prospects in the past. Young emphasized the importance of making baseball an attractive option for talented athletes and highlighted the role of player development within each team.
While financial challenges persist, initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and reducing barriers in baseball can provide support and opportunities for aspiring players. However, addressing the expense of the sport and ensuring it remains accessible to players from all backgrounds will continue to be a complex endeavor.
