Race Relations and Baseball - MN Twins

[lightfoot789]

As I've watch prospects rise throughout all of baseball - I see fewer and fewer African Americans on MLB teams. I have seen the increase in Latino players rise. And I have seen the majority of players still represented by the majority population. Most youth baseball programs in the USA are represented by the majority. Even the African Americans who played youth baseball, played on teams where they were the only minority or one of few. Latino players generally played on youth programs that were all Latino.

 

In terms of race relations, I think the baseball world has come to grips with helping the Latino players feel more comfortable by hiring more Latino coaches and managers. MLB Baseball seems to understand that these players need someone within the organizations that understands their cultural needs and who they are as people away from baseball (when they leave the field). I commend baseball in its attempts to recognize cultural awareness with the Latino community.  Money motivated or not?

 

In terms of race relations within the African American community, I think baseball needs more work at the professional level. The MLB is doing an outstanding job of working with the "RBI Program" in the inner cities and trying to promote baseball. Where I think there is a disconnect is with the players actually in the systems. There are very few programs with African American players on their teams and there are very few programs with African American role models in management. I believe it is often assumed that African American players have played with the majority all their lives and they should be comfortable with what they know. There is no need for African American mentors, as they are in an environment that should be familiar to them (unlike the Latino players).

 

The part that I think baseball forgets is that these players are in fact different when they leave the ball park. They often go home to their families and have completely different conversations than the ones they have at the park with teammates. Conversations that would be considered either inappropriate or not comfortable for most, so they don't exist at the baseball facilities (EVER!). These conversations don't have to be controversial in nature, but might just be a subject matter that borders on race relations. The "majority" could in fact go off with a teammate somewhere and have these conversations in private (shagging balls / batting cages / in some teams cases even in the open locker room / or over dinner with teammates). With the lack of numbers in professional baseball (African Americans), I think it is equally important to have a sound board for the African American players throughout the system.

 

While Tommy Watkins was with the Kernels in 2013, he had at one time: Byron Buxton; Niko Goodrum; Adam Brett Walker; JD Williams; Tyler Jones; and Josh Burris.  Those are the most African Americans (6) I have ever seen on one team in recent memory.  I am sure that Watkins was a sound board for every member on the team, but I am doubly sure he was a God send to those 6 players on the Kernels that year.  Most of them probably never played with 6 teammates that looked like them before.  Crazy huh?   It would be great to see baseball do a better job of just understanding that sound board need.  Watkins is going to be a great manager someday because he understands PEOPLE better than most.  He grew up throughout baseball knowing he had to understand various cultures and has made it work for himself.  I hope he progresses throughout the system and isn't kept back to mentor minorities just because either.  Diversity can be a double edge sword when misunderstood by the majority too.  We need you here because.....

 

I'm curious to know how many readers think I'm off base or right on point, in my theory on the need for change?  Although slight - A useful change is needed in society and baseball.  What do we really know about each other and do we even really care to know?

 

great article by Mike Berardino on race relations in baseball:
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_23015323/blacks-minnesota-twins-42-opens-1-player-0

[stringer bell]

You certainly have a point.  It is important to remember that African-Americans are Americans, but the disturbances in Ferguson and Staten Island show that the AA culture do have different views of events than majority whites do. 

 

I do believe that part of Aaron Hicks struggle is the isolation he has felt as the only African American on the team for most of his tenure with the Twins.  Hunter's presence might help in that regard.  However, Hunter's presence in and of itself won't make Hicks a better hitter. 

[nicksaviking]

It's really difficult to intentionally diversify a sport.  Sports are usually taken up at the onset by children, and children want to do what their peers are doing.  If your peers aren't playing baseball because it's not cool, or less available, it's going to be hard to convince a kid to swim against the current of popular opinion.

 

The other main issue is that while organized baseball is likely just as available to most youths as football and basketball, unorganized baseball is not.  Getting together enough guys for a sandlot baseball game is tough and requires more equipment and the requisit space to play than what may be available.  Football requires a handful of guys and a backyard, while basketball can be played solo with the hoop on your garage or any number of them that are found anywhere around the city.  Football and basketball also require only a ball, where as baseball requires the participants to already own bat and glove as well.

 

Lastly, any novice can throw and catch a football or basketball; hitting a round ball with a round bat takes practice.  It's not a skill taught in a pickup game, you need some kind of mentor, and catcalls detailing how the kid who has not been taught to hold a bat is "swinging like a girl" is sure to drive many a would-be-athlete away.

 

Baseball's built in complexities probably have more to do with it's lower numbers than anything.  Requiring organization, space, added equipment and training makes the game more exclusive.  I guess one could say Baseball would be in the Ivy League of major athletics.

[Thrylos]

I think that in Anno Domini  2014 we should be able to afford to see players as players instead of players as [insert race/nationality modifier] players vs. [insert another race/nationality modifier] players.  Unless we do this, there is always going to be "racial issues" in baseball.  

 

The language barrier of players whose English is not the first language (like Asians and Latin Americans) is a different story.  It is a communication issue. 

[brvama]

Recent events definitely bring race relations to the forefront of today's general conversations.  Your comments are well-written.  They do however, IMHO, fall prey to the standard stereotypical assumptions.  I don't believe the lack of more black MLBer is about race. 

 

Let me just say that there seems to be too much attention to highlight differences rather than commonality.  And a point of contention, what makes you think the black baseball player conversation at home is that much different than the white family, or any other American?  Most Americans have the same dreams, hopes, and concerns.  There is an assumption in this country, perpetuated by a few that the color of skin means the innerself is different also.  That is not the case.  I know from experience in my family.

 

As Stringer says the AA is an American.  Culturally, their isn't a learning curve to the way of life as an American.  The situations you cite are more influence by social criteria than color,imo.  The black community has a great number of models who have become successful.  Unfortunately, too many so-called leaders continue to ignore those role models and continue to savage their community for self profit, fame, or power. 

 

Personally, I believe the continued separation of color in our conversation harms race relations more than bringing us together.  It continues the "we" versus "them" mantra. There is a great deal more common bond than is universally recognized.

 

Regarding MLB, as you've stated, some effort has been initiated toward bring baseball back to the AA community.  But let's face it, should we be concerned that the disproportionate number of NFL, NBA or NHL players don't reflect society too?  Is it a problem for baseball?  Yes, but not as much because of the color line but more with the community structure.  That's where I think the RBI is a good start.

[Rosterman]

It's really difficult to intentionally diversify a sport.  Sports are usually taken up at the onset by children, and children want to do what their peers are doing.  If your peers aren't playing baseball because it's not cool, or less available, it's going to be hard to convince a kid to swim against the current of popular opinion.

 

The other main issue is that while organized baseball is likely just as available to most youths as football and basketball, unorganized baseball is not.  Getting together enough guys for a sandlot baseball game is tough and requires more equipment and the requisit space to play than what may be available.  Football requires a handful of guys and a backyard, while basketball can be played solo with the hoop on your garage or any number of them that are found anywhere around the city.  Football and basketball also require only a ball, where as baseball requires the participants to already own bat and glove as well.

 

Lastly, any novice can throw and catch a football or basketball; hitting a round ball with a round bat takes practice.  It's not a skill taught in a pickup game, you need some kind of mentor, and catcalls detailing how the kid who has not been taught to hold a bat is "swinging like a girl" is sure to drive many a would-be-athlete away.

 

Baseball's built in complexities probably have more to do with it's lower numbers than anything.  Requiring organization, space, added equipment and training makes the game more exclusive.  I guess one could say Baseball would be in the Ivy League of major athletics.

I find so much of this true. You have to have a playground. You have to have a certain amount of equipment, which is timeless. You have to sit around a lot and watch others play before you get to go out and field or go up and bat. 

 

I grew up a baseball fan. Just two of us was often enough to work on basic skills. You would have 5 to 10 balls. You'll throw it up in the air and grab the bat with both hands and send a grounder of fly to your partner out in the field, then trade places. You would practice in an alley with a tennis of whiffle ball and a stick, using a neighbors garage or the bounce back to the pitcher and hoping the garage on the other side was tall enough that you didn't have to chase the ball.

 

I found little league as a kid, and T-ball when my kid was a kid, to be more competitive than they should, from uniforms needed, or just T-shirts, but kid's either playing, or being ushered to play, like they were major league prospects. By the time I got to high school, it wasn't a sport at all to play because you liked playing, you had to be good as the means to win were more important than developing skills that would serve you if you just wanted to do pickup games as an adult. And, man, as an adult...it is absolutely horrible to play games with those that are frustrated non-professionals.

 

But, yes, baseball seems to be more organized as a whole. You need a playing field. Asphalt or concrete is not the same. You need a group of kids...trow your gloves in a pile and let teams be chosen. You need to have someone work on your specific skill sets overtime...fielding, throwing, hitting, running. You don't have to be great in any of them, but you must develop instincts, and team play.

 

The Latino community has developed academy-style programs, and you see it when teams draft players at age 16-17-18. And it is a near fulltime work environment, which it also is in the general community. You either play baseball or you don't. You work hard on developing your skills. Sadly, in the old U.S.A., if you have the dollars you can go to better schools, play Legion ball, go to summer camps, even get private tutoring. The major leagues may hold small training camps and such, more public relations than results oriented. 

 

In some circles, basketball gets you into the game earlier. Football gets you an education. Baseball is a total crapshoot (how many people are in "professional" baseball compared to basketball and football, which basically use the educational systems as their minor leagues, which baseball ALSO does above and beyond the 200 players each team signs to groom, in which 2-4 maybe get a major league cup of coffee each year, and half of those get a career.

 

Baseball, even after your high school or college years, is still a long internship of minor league play and you may still not crack the diamond. You are 25. You are 28. You are even just 22...and you have to figure out what to do with your life after dreaming of a life in baseball. 

[lightfoot789]

I think baseball as a whole is trying to bring more minorities into the game. This is seen in the academies built in inner cities and other countries. I think that less is being done to accommodate the African American who is actually a professional. Close your eyes and imagine you're Phil Hughes on a team in which you are the only white player on the team. Are you completely comfortable with your surroundings? Truly comfortable? Management and players are all different from you. Does being the "only one" ever enter your mind in a relevant way? Can you honestly say you could complete your 15 year career without ever giving it a thought?

 

Friendships should be color blind, but ask yourself: When I see the general population, do they seem to gravitate to their own kind (race) and if so why? Not always a bad thing, and not always a freedom of choice thing either. When the freedom of choice is not always available (only one), who does that person turn to for that comfortable conversation?

[lightfoot789]

Should that be a concern for baseball?

[twinsfanstreif]

My take on this is that the MLB can't force African Americans to play or even really be interested in the sport. In inner city AA communities baseball is not that popular, it's football and basketball. Is that the MLBs fault? maybe they didn't market well or for whatever reason those communities don't care as much. Baseball used to be a street game with stick ball games in the inner cities, why did those die off? lack of space? crack down on kids playing in the street? I'm not sure but baseball thrives in Rural communities (more space to play?) and most of the AA players in the MLB come from rural communities. In Rural communities football is king (at least in Texas where I come from) and the best athletes are usually black so most of them end up playing football so the undersized and less athletic guys (usually white) who still want to excel at sports choose baseball (this is an over generalization but you get the point). I'm not sure that promoting baseball in the inner cities is going to do much although the RBI and Urban Youth Acadamy helps. Baseball is no longer king in the US and might even be 3rd behind basketball. The reason there are so many more Latin players is because baseball is the #1 sport in the islands and is played in the street therefore kids grow up loving it, it's the reason soccer is popular world wide.

[Bark's Lounge]

Having grown up in areas of the city that are designated for the poor (White, African Americans, Hispanics, Hmong, etc.) I am not too sure this is an issue worth getting bent over. There are much bigger fish to fry than this one. Also, football and basketball are much more popular sports in Urban America.

 

I wish people with the power to make some change would invest their time and procure the resources to start the process of offering people in this position a chance at a better life, hard work will be needed on the recipient's part, but an opportunity is what people need and I believe we all as a human collective rise to that occasion if it is presented to us. Being without hope is an awful way to live your life and it has a very negative outcome on our society as a whole (gangs, violence, assault, robbery, etc.).

 

**** baseball. Who cares what race of people plays baseball. It is the least of our problems. Baseball will do just fine with or without a race of human beings.

 

Changing the social structures of our society and providing assistance in the form of hope and opportunity could probably have a great effect on the inclusiveness of everyone in every area of life.

 

I apologize for putting this post out there, but I am sick and tired of reading topics like "Why don't African Americans play baseball anymore?" It is insulting, and a piss poor method of journalism. My advice to the journalist, go out there and live it, make friends with it, and most importantly understand it.

[ashbury]

I moved this thread to the Sports Bar area; hopefully everyone who wants to can find it.  My glancing through the posts revealed little MN Twins content, and the subject transcends either MLB or the minors for that matter.  Moderation standards tend to be a little more relaxed in Sports Bar threads, so my motivation is to foster a maximally open discussion - with respect of course.

[lightfoot789]

My question was poorly stated and I apologize. Thank you for all your responses. My intent was to ask what are the Twins (baseball) doing to help their African Americans in the organization now. They brought a Tori Hunter in to mentor the likes of Hicks, Shafer, Buxton, and Arcia on how to play the game. Tori's presence will have an added affect for Hicks and Buxton undoubtedly. What are the Twins doing in the lower levels to lend a sound board to their other African American prospects (Gordon; Walker; Jones; Burris; Williams; etc.)?

 

I hope to continue open dialect and get more thoughts on the subject. As Jackie Robinson felt lonely years ago, so do the players of today would be my guess. Just not on a grand stage or to the magnitude of a Robinson. Love your teammates and love your job. Lonely with the fear to speak openly as a player however, can be a hard work environment. Who are the sound boards within the Twins organizations?

[Squirrel]

My question was poorly stated and I apologize. Thank you for all your responses. My intent was to ask what are the Twins (baseball) doing to help their African Americans in the organization now. They brought a Tori Hunter in to mentor the likes of Hicks, Shafer, Buxton, and Arcia on how to play the game. Tori's presence will have an added affect for Hicks and Buxton undoubtedly. What are the Twins doing in the lower levels to lend a sound board to their other African American prospects (Gordon; Walker; Jones; Burris; Williams; etc.)?

 

Could it be that is another reason they hired Butch Davis, too?  Maybe he wasn't their first choice, but one of his 'qualifications' is that he filled a certain ... need ... as you described?

[biggentleben]

My question was poorly stated and I apologize. Thank you for all your responses. My intent was to ask what are the Twins (baseball) doing to help their African Americans in the organization now. They brought a Tori Hunter in to mentor the likes of Hicks, Shafer, Buxton, and Arcia on how to play the game. Tori's presence will have an added affect for Hicks and Buxton undoubtedly. What are the Twins doing in the lower levels to lend a sound board to their other African American prospects (Gordon; Walker; Jones; Burris; Williams; etc.)?

 

I hope to continue open dialect and get more thoughts on the subject. As Jackie Robinson felt lonely years ago, so do the players of today would be my guess. Just not on a grand stage or to the magnitude of a Robinson. Love your teammates and love your job. Lonely with the fear to speak openly as a player however, can be a hard work environment. Who are the sound boards within the Twins organizations?

 

Unless he had a drastic procedure done since he left Atlanta, Schafer is white.  He also had some of the best "clubhouse" guys in baseball with Tim Hudson, Eric Hinske, and David Ross in Atlanta when he was there, so the "playing the right way" was certainly more than evident.  If he still needs that from someone like Torii, who has issues a-plenty in his own tolerance issues, then you may as well release Schafer.

 

In all seriousness, I don't see this as a black and white issue.  It's a societal issue.  Inner cities used to produce a TON of great baseball players, but that's just not the case any more, and that doesn't matter black, white, brown, purple, or green.  Baseball is a fairly inexpensive game to play, but it takes space to put up four bases and an outfield and room to hit the ball, space that many inner cities do not have anymore.  It's quite easy to put up a basketball hoop, and you really don't need much room around that hoop to play ball.  Likewise, you can set up anything to be a soccer goal and kick a ball in nearly no space, so the skills for soccer and basketball are much more easily honed in modern inner cities.

 

The major league sound board thing to me is noise.  Terry Pendleton was Chipper Jones' sounding board.  Andres Galarraga was Andruw Jones' sounding board.  Walt Weiss was Raffy Furcal's sounding board.  Race and background aren't anywhere near as important as someone willing to learn about your culture and nurture your game into the major league level.  Alfonso Soriano was hugely important to Kosuke Fukudome due to Soriano's time in Japan.  These guys have such diverse experiences by the time they get to the major leagues that it's not so much on the "sounding board" line of talk at the major league level, it's on building inner city baseball at the youth level and going from there.  Look at the Chicago team that nearly took the Little League World Series this year.  That league was started as an initiative by MLB to encourage baseball in inner cities.  I think we will continue to see more opportunities for youth in general if that investment is continued at the base for the game, not waiting until the majors to address any concerns.

[TheLeviathan]

Ben = nailed it.

[stringer bell]

I don't know about mentors and sounding boards, but I do think Aaron Hicks, in particular, may have felt like an outsider in the Twins' clubhouse the last two years.  There has been a fairly large Hispanic contingent building with the Twins and a large number of white players, but Hicks was the only African American and the coaching staff was also all white, with the exception of the a Texas Hispanic bullpen coach.  For a guy that many thought was hard to reach, the Twins had no one with much of a comparable background (maybe Plouffe, but of course he is white).  I gather from the bits and pieces that I have learned of Hicks that he wasn't born and raised on the streets or in poverty.  He has a relationship with his father (and his mom?), so he isn't the stereotypical black kid from the projects.  Does he have simmering racial issues?  I sure don't know, but for all of our country's talk about being color-blind, it is undeniable that racial cliques develop in profession clubhouses and locker rooms.  Aaron Hicks' clique was a committee of one.

[ashbury]

I expect Aaron would be very reluctant to express himself publicly about this, at least until he establishes some on-field success, but it would be a fascinating discussion to have with him strictly off the record.  And maybe having Torii on the team will matter.