On a day that’s popular for shopping for deals, The Players Alliance reminds lovers of baseball to love the game enough to share it. Never stop the hunt for SOLUTIONS to level the playing field and increase access to the game.
We have to stop saying black kids aren’t interested in baseball. It’s not true. A lot of them can’t afford it. We can solve that.
CC Sabathia, The Players Alliance Board Vice Chair
Impact on Black Baseball by the Numbers
12
The year of the greatest loss of black talent in baseball due to end of little league and free/low cost play
$3,700
Average cost of travel ball in the US
$1,500
Average value of liquid assets in black households (compared to $8,200 for white households)
72%
Percentage of black college students requiring need based scholarships to afford school
11.7
The total number of scholarships a college baseball coach has to spreadacross the entire team. Most only provide partial funding for education.
100
Percentage of equity and inclusion issues within the game that may be solved by focused lovers of the game
9
The number of Black players drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, the most since 1992.
4.2%
of NCAA Division I baseball student athletes are Black.
1%
of all NCAA baseball coaches are Black
6.2%
US Born Black players in Major League Baseball decreased from 7.2% in 2022 to 6.2% in 2023 for opening day rosters
40%
9.9%
Percentage of Black or African American coaches in Major League Baseball increased from 5.4% in 2022 to 9.9% in 2023
Solutions to Level the Playing Field
Real change in baseball access will first require the attention of every fan who must bring a desire to see change. On federal and state levels we need policy changes that will impact use and maintenance of public spaces. Locally, all lovers of baseball should share that love with elected representatives on city councils and school boards to encourage great investment in the game and the boys and girls who love it. Until then, watch our mission in action and how we are addressing baseball’s systemic barriers to equity & inclusion.
Focus Cities: Mississippi Delta
Through the Focus City initiative, Players Alliance has implemented strategic programming to address barriers to the game in areas like the Mississippi Delta, historically a source of talent for Black baseball. In the Delta, our impact is seen in the 7 field improvements, spanning two cities, three leagues and twenty five teams. Today, 470 youth players have new fields and access to a game no longer out of their reach.
Youth Showcases
Players Alliance partnered with Minority Baseball Prospects to sponsor the first ever virtual showcase and an international showcase in December. Over 200 middle school and high school players will get the opportunity to show their skills to scouts, creating impact through visibility.
Toni’s Promise
Players Alliance formed the 1st African American softball team, Toni’s Promise, that was entered into the Jenny Finch Classic at All Star. The team, which was comprised of elite athletes from across the country, played together for the first time at MLB’s All Star and went on to win the competition.
Equip The Future
Current and retired players mentoring young athletes
Level Up Lab
The Level Up Lab is a retail-style popup experience offering custom fittings and access to the essentials of the game for urban and rural players. The Lab also operates as a hands-on service vehicle for current and retired players to giveback to the next generation throughout the year.
Representation Matters
Jason Davis, the New York Mets Coordinator of Pro Player Evaluation, talks about the importance of representation in baseball.
