The 2022 MLB World Series is approaching quickly, and unfortunately, representation of Black American players will be lacking for the first time in a long time.
The 2022 MLB World Series is approaching with an exciting matchup of the Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies. However, with Astros outfielder Michael Brantley being on the injured list, there won’t be any U.S.-born Black players in the series.
This is the first time since 1950 that there won’t be any Black American players in the World Series.
Though Black representation in MLB has gotten better over the years, it’s still not nearly as strong as it should be. As proven by this World Series situation, there’s just one black player between two entire teams that would be representing the league.
This issue was brought up earlier in the regular season by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who stated he “feels uncomfortable” with the lack of opportunity for Black players in MLB. He called out the league on Jackie Robinson Day, which is an annual celebratory day in MLB to remember the day Robinson made his debut and broke the color barrier.
The lack of representation in the World Series became another concern that president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Bob Kendrick spoke out on.
"“That is eye opening. It is somewhat startling that two cities that have high African American populations, there’s not a single Black player. It lets us know there’s obviously a lot of work to be done to create opportunities for Black kids to pursue their dream at the highest level.”"
Representation still isn’t anywhere near where it should be, even 75 years after Robinson made his debut.
Black representation in MLB isn’t anywhere near where it should be
Representation has gotten better since Robinson paved the way. Before Robinson made his debut in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, there were separate leagues for people of color. Representation grew over several decades, but according to Meghan Roos of Newsweek, “MLB has a smaller percentage of Black players now than it has had in any year since the early 1990s.”
There’s still a lot of work to do to grow the sport, and both Roberts and Kendrick’s statements should be taken seriously, as well as the research presented by many. Though unintentional, this is a step down from breaking through so many barriers in history.