Lack of Funding and Heart Hinders Diversity in Baseball

About The Guest(s):

• Preston Wilson: Former professional baseball player who played 10 seasons in the major leagues, won the World Series in 2006, and was an All-Star in 2003.
• Ray Burris: Former professional baseball player who played 15 years in the big leagues and is currently involved in developing young athletes.
• Michael Tucker: Former professional baseball player who played 13 years in the big leagues and is now focused on helping young kids through camps and clinics.
• Marcus Nettles: Former college baseball player and current state trooper in Illinois. He runs the Marcus Nettles Project, a foundation that helps the community, youth, and police.

Summary: Former professional baseball players Preston Wilson, Ray Burris, Michael Tucker, and Marcus Nettles discuss the lack of African American representation in baseball and the challenges faced by Black players. They highlight the importance of money and resources in increasing diversity in the sport, as well as the need for more Black coaches and mentors. They were authentic about Major League Baseball’s systemic strategy of recruiting Latine players for pennies on the dollar, which has a disparate impact on American born Black players who are not seen, recruited, and drafted. The conversation also touches on the role of ownership in driving change and the need for long-term investment in Black communities. The guests emphasize the importance of building relationships and providing support to young Black athletes to help them succeed in baseball and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• Lack of financial support and scholarships for Black baseball players has contributed to the decline in African American representation in the sport.
• The scarcity of Black coaches and mentors in baseball limits opportunities and development for Black players.
• Ownership changes and increased investment in Black communities are needed to drive diversity and inclusion in baseball.
• Building relationships and providing resources and support to young Black athletes is crucial for their success in baseball and beyond.

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