As a young black athlete growing up I never felt motivated enough to take up the sport of baseball. It wasn't because of exposure because growing up in an athleticly diverse community; I had friends in my neighborhood who were active in a variety of different sports including baseball, football, basketball, as well as track and field.
But growing up as a kid, it was something about that catchy tune I would hear every Monday night when my dad would prepare to watch the latest football contest on television.
Perhaps growing up in the state of Texas where football is considered a religion; could explain my early devotion to the sport. Texans will pack a football stadium like the animals filling Noah's Arc to support their team. How often do you see 20,000 faithful fans at a high school baseball game?
The fact is, todays young athletes are heavily influenced by the super stars they see on television. Young African-American stars like LeBron James and Vince Young's careers are exposed to other young blacks from their high school to their college glory days. Whereas, it's a struggle to find a star African American MLB player unless he's competing in the All-Star's Home Run Derby or he's playing for the New York Yankees.
Gary Sheffield raised a few eyebrows with his controversial statements he made in the June issue of GQ Magazine. But aside from his jaw dropping remarks; Gary actually made some interesting points when he said it was up to everyone from Major League Baseball to the black community to make sure there are programs to encourage participation.
I personally feel if Major League Baseball is going to reach out to young black athletes it has to start from within their own marketing department.
For example, LeBron James could be considered the "Poster Boy" of the NBA. Every kid can identify who LeBron "King" James is. From Nike commercials, magazines, to even hosting "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE"; James has become a world figure while representing the NBA.
If you were to ask a young African-American who's their favorite baseball player; their answer more than likely will not be another African-American player.
Perhaps the most identifiable black super-star in MLB; Barry Bonds--in a perfect world would be one of the most celebrated players in baseball history to ever play the game. But unfortunately negative press and steroid allegations have made Bonds one of the most disliked players in MLB history--forever tarnishing his record breaking career and leaving young African-American fans confused.
But in spite of the lack of interest by young African-Americans, professional baseball is still one of the most lucrative team sports in the world.
While young high school basketball phenoms can no longer trade their diplomas for NBA contracts; high school baseball stars continue to weigh their options between signing major league deals and starting out in the minors or deferring to play at the collegiate level.
Although most players in the minors will probably never wear a major league uniform; a signing bonus from a major league franchise is just too good an offer to pass up.
Or is it?
I recently had a conversation with an African-American gentleman who had experienced a very similar opportunity as a star high school baseball player. The gentleman was wearing a rather ornate piece of jewelry on his finger that resembled a championship ring. He informed me that the ring was a reward for his baseball team winning the College World Series. I was really intrigued by his accomplishment, so I asked him if he received any offers to play professionally. To my surprise, the gentleman said he'd actually been offered a contract worth 350k by the Kansas City Royals upon finishing high school.
Now I'm not the brightest star in the galaxy, but I could buy two college degrees, a masters, and still have enough money for a business investment with 350k.
Need less to say, the gentleman and I both agreed that players of color are still prominent in the major leagues. In fact, according to a recent article in the Dallas Morning News, 40.5 percent of the players in 2006 were of color, close to the all-time high 42 percent in 1997.
Guerry Baldwin runs the East Cobb select baseball league in Atlanta, GA. Baldwin says his program allows for scholarships-around 20 per year-and that African American participation is up at the East Cobb complex. He believes that the African-American's athletic ability is such that it will hurt the game if it doesn't change. "It will hurt attendance. It's not real smart. They need to do stuff. There are people with money who could get out there and help," said Baldwin.
"It will take some of the African-Americans who have benefited from baseball to help."
It's definitely a situation that has to be evaluated and dealt with collectively.
Most big leaguers start out as little leaguers--participating in amateur select baseball programs to learn fundamentals and skills. Select baseball programs are a good stepping stone for players who wish to carry their game into high school, college, or perhaps the pros.
However, many black families tend to shy away from select baseball due to its expensive commitments required for travel, uniforms, tournaments, etc.
Quite frankly, if baseball wants to attract more African Americans; it has to start with black youths.
The baseball diamond has to be just as attractive to them as the basketball court or the football field. It could be too late for any player to pick up a bat and hit a curve ball for the first time at the high school level.
High school baseball probably loses a large number of good young black athletes to track and field in the spring. If a good athletic kid goes out for the high school track team and covers the 100 meter dash in less then 11 seconds; he will probably be more encouraged to run faster using his individual talent; than he is to steal third base or cover center field.
It's really surprising that more young African-Americans are not attracted to the game of baseball. I think MLB has an obligation to reach out to major league hopefuls of all decents. American scouts are globally wandering the sandlots and parks, in search of the next superstar. Perhaps they won't have to look very far; he could very well be right under their noses. Let's just hope he's discovered before he learns how to dunk a basketball.
