The annual conversation on the decreasing number of African Americans in Major League Baseball

Hi all, this George Cook of African American Reports. Baseball season has started and it's time for that annual conversation about the lack of black kids playing baseball and the decrease of black players in the Majors. Check out my thoughts below.

Cleveland Indians legend Larry Doby nominated for congressional medal

Today, U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and Jim Renacci (R-OH) honored Larry Doby’s many achievements and contributions to American major league athletics, civil rights, and the armed forces by cosponsoring the Larry Doby Congressional Gold Medal Act to posthumously award him the Congressional Gold Medal.

"Like me, Larry Doby started out as a kid on the streets of Paterson, New Jersey, but he went on to blossom into a sports legend, a pioneer of American civil rights, and a man of great service to his country," Rep. Pascrell said. "Larry handled adversity with strength and served as an inspiration for minority kids and adults since his landmark introduction to the major league. Paterson couldn't be prouder to call him one of our own, and now we call on Congress to bestow this overdue honor to Larry's family. I appreciate my friend my Ohio, Rep. Renacci, for joining me in this bipartisan effort to recognize a great American."

In one of his first acts upon coming to Congress in 1997, Rep. Pascrell sponsored legislation in Congress (H.R. 2116) designating the post office at 194 Ward Street in Paterson as the Larry Doby Post Office, which was signed by President Bill Clinton and became Public Law 105-162. In 2012, the United States Postal Service released a commemorative postage stamp with Larry Doby’s likeness. Pascrell joined the USPS for a ceremony to unveil the stamp at the Larry Doby Post Office.

"Baseball before Larry Doby and Jackie Robinson was informally segregated. While Jackie Robinson was the first African American player in the National League, the Cleveland Indians made Larry Doby the first in the American League – forever changing the face of baseball," Rep. Renacci said. "Not only did Doby wear an Indians’ uniform proudly as the first black player to play in the World Series, but he wore our nation’s uniform while he served in the Navy during WWII. I am pleased to join my friend and colleague Rep. Pascrell in introducing this legislation to honor Larry Doby for the great strides he made for the game of baseball and the civil rights movement in the United States. Go Tribe!"

“The Cleveland Indians organization is very proud of Larry Doby’s legacy,” said Indians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio. “Mr. Doby, a symbol of equality and freedom of opportunity, stood with grace, dignity and a competitive spirit that resonated throughout Ohio and across America.”

Congressional Gold Medal

The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded by an act of Congress and requires two-thirds of the House of Representatives and the Senate to cosponsor before the legislation can be considered in Committee or by the full House. Congressional Gold Medals have a long history in the U.S. Congress with the first medal being awarded in 1776 to George Washington. Since then, Congress has authorized over 300 medals to be awarded. Jackie Robinson received his Congressional Gold Medal in 2003.

Biographical information

Lawrence Eugene “Larry” Doby was an extraordinary individual and a sports legend that broke through racial barriers by becoming the first African American to play professional baseball in the American League. Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1946, Larry Doby played baseball in the Negro League for the Newark Eagles. In 1947, his contract was purchased by the Cleveland Indians where he began his illustrious 13 year career in the American League. After appearing in 1,533 games and batting .283, with 253 home runs and 969 runs batted in, and being voted to seven all-star teams, Larry Doby was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

In addition to being the first African American to hit a home run in a World Series, Larry Doby was deeply committed to his community. In expression of this profound commitment, Larry served as the Director of Community Relations for the NBA’s New Jersey Nets. This position granted Larry the opportunity to leverage his character and stature to participate in and influence youth in many of New Jersey’s inner cities.

Hank Aaron wants to see more African Americans in baseball

While attending the SportsBusiness Daily/Global/Journal 2016 Sports Business Awards, baseball legend Hank Aaron made the following comment about the lack of African Americans in baseball.

“I think from the commissioner’s office to every major-league team in baseball should look at it because it is an American sport,” Aaron said. “Jackie Robinson held his head up high, Willie Mays, myself and Frank Robinson, all of us. And now it’s a dying sport as far as African-Americans. It’s got to be turned around.”

My issue with the "Why don't more black kids play baseball" conversation

Baseball season has started, so that means that it's time for the "Why don't more black kids play baseball conversation". One element of this conversation always bugged me because it plays right into stereotypes about black fathers. Listen to my thoughts in the video below.

Baseball season has started, so that means that it's time for the "Why don't more black kids play baseball conversation"...

Posted by George L. Cook III on Friday, April 8, 2016

Philadelphia apologizes for 'virulent racism' directed at Jackie Robinson

The Philadelphia City Council on Thursday apologized for the "virulent racism" that Jackie Robinson faced in the city and from its hometown baseball team nearly 70 years ago.

Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, was viciously taunted by former Philadelphia Phillies manager Ben Chapman, as well as players, during his first season. In a scene captured in the film "42," Chapman led the bench in calling Robinson racial slurs and telling him to "go back to the cotton field."

Robinson was also refused a room at a local hotel when the Dodgers came to play in Philadelphia that year.

The city's governing body unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday declaring April 15, 2016, as a day "honoring the lifetime achievements and lasting influence" of Robinson and "apologizing for the racism he faced as a player while visiting Philadelphia."

The resolution, which will be sent to Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson.

[SOURCE]

Hall of Fame baseball player Monte Irvin dies at 96

Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, a power-hitting outfielder who starred for the New York Giants in the 1950s in a career abbreviated by Major League Baseball’s exclusion of black players, has died. He was 96.

Irvin was 30 when he joined the Giants in 1949, two years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. Irvin spent seven of his eight big-league seasons with the Giants and one year with the Chicago Cubs in 1956. A native of Haleburg, Alabama, Irvin played in the Negro, Mexican and Puerto Rican leagues during his 20s.

Irvin batted .300 or more three times with a high of .329 in 1953. He finished with a career average of .293 with 99 home runs and 443 RBI, numbers that would have been far higher if not for the game’s racial segregation.

Irvin was one of the most important contributors during the Giants’ amazing pennant drive in 1951 when they overtook the Brooklyn Dodgers after trailing by 131/2 games in mid-August. Irvin batted .312 with 24 homers and an NL-leading 121 RBI.

That year Irvin teamed with Hank Thompson and Willie Mays to form the first all-black outfield in the majors. He finished third in the NL’s MVP voting.

Irvin is survived by daughters Patricia Irvin Gordon and Pamela Irvin Fields and two granddaughters.

[SOURCE]

Statement by the President and First Lady on the Passing of Ernie Banks

President Obama and the First Lady released the following statement on the death of baseball legend Ernie Banks:

Michelle and I send our condolences to the family of Ernie Banks, and to every Chicagoan and baseball fan who loved him.

Ernie came up through the Negro Leagues, making $7 a day. He became the first African-American to play for the Chicago Cubs, and the first number the team retired. Along the way, he became known as much for his 512 home runs and back-to-back National League MVPs as for his cheer, his optimism, and his love of the game. As a Hall-of-Famer, Ernie was an incredible ambassador for baseball, and for the city of Chicago. He was beloved by baseball fans everywhere, including Michelle, who, when she was a girl, used to sit with her dad and watch him play on TV. And in 2013, it was my honor to present Ernie with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Somewhere, the sun is shining, the air is fresh, his team's behind him, and Mr. Class -- "Mr. Cub" -- is ready to play two.

The legendary Ernie Banks, Mr. Cub, passes away at 83

[SOURCE] Baseball great Ernie Banks died Friday in Chicago, according to Mark Bogen, who represents the Banks family. Banks’ wife, Liz, will hold a news conference at noon Sunday. He would have been 84 next Saturday.

Banks, a former star in the Negro Leagues, came to the Cubs after being signed by former scout Buck O’Neil. Banks became the first black player in Cubs history and made a quick impression, hitting .314 with a double, triple, two home runs and 6 RBI in 10 games during a brief stint in 1953. The next season, the baseball world took notice. Banks started all 154 games at shortstop in 1954 and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.

In 1955, Banks hit 44 home runs, setting a major-league record for shortstops. When his career ended in 1971, he had 512 home runs, 2,583 hits, 1,636 RBI and 14 All-Star selections. But he never made one trip to the postseason.

The Cubs erected a statue honoring Banks near the corner of Clark and Addison and unveiled Wrigley Field’s new landmark at the start of the 2008 season. The statue has become a must-see stopping spot for camera-toting tourists, and Banks was overwhelmed with pride.

Maya Angelou explains her recent health issue.

American icon and poet Maya Angelou had to back out of a Major League Baseball Civil Rights Game ceremony due to health issues. She left a post on her Facebook page giving an explanation for not being able to attend.

On her Facebook page she posted:

Post by Maya Angelou.

While she does not give any details on what the illness was it is great to read that she is getting better each day.

George Cook AfricanAmericanReports.com

NY Yankees unveil Mandela plaque

There have been few press conferences at Yankee Stadium like the one held Wednesday, and few ceremonies like the one the New York Yankees put on Wednesday night.

The connection to baseball was slight, but it was enough.

The Yankees honored the late Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president, with a plaque in Monument Park as part of their Jackie Robinson Day festivities.

As the Yankees honored Nelson Mandela, Yankees president Randy Levine said, "There's nobody more deserving of being in Monument Park."

The Yankees unveiled Mandela's plaque between games of their day-night doubleheader with the Chicago Cubs, adding it next to those honoring former Yankee stars, owners and announcers, and also the three Popes who have appeared at the stadium.

Read more: Yankees unveil Mandela plaque

It's Ken Griffey Jr's fault that more black kids don't play baseball!

Every year about this time we get the various columns and sports talk radio shows about the declining number of blacks in Major League Baseball. Every year the talking and writing heads regurgitate the same reasons:

* It's not exciting enough. ( It is boring as hell. )

* Parents can't afford to put their kids on travel teams. ( Translated you have to go find baseball when other sports will come to you if you are good. )

* Baseball doesn't market itself properly. ( It doesn't unless you remember seeing The Beatles live on the Ed Sullivan Show. )

* Lack of father's in home equates to lack of interest in baseball. ( Utter BS as people are assuming that ALL dads like baseball. My dad hates it. )

* It's easier to get scholarships in football and basketball. ( It is, see second reason. )

While all may have some merit they all miss the point. You see the reason many black kids don't play baseball is all the fault of MLB superstar Ken Griffey Jr.

Why, you ask?

Because he couldn't stay healthy and give kids something to aspire to when it comes to baseball. In his prime Griffey was Jordan or Lebron to many black kids. He was the last baseball player I remember that had many African American kids and adults rushing out to get his Jersey even if they didn't root for the Seattle Mariners.

He was the last baseball player I remember seeing kids emulate and want to play like. The way he seemed to be having so much fun on the field made baseball look fun and cool to many black kids who otherwise would have ignored it. Black kids could relate to Griffey and wanted to play baseball because of that. It seemed that although normally inept at marketing itself MLB had a gem in Griffey and even they couldn't screw this up.

But then came the injuries. When Griffey wasn't Griffey anymore there wasn't anyone there to pick up the slack. Baseball became boring to watch again. Kids lost interest.

So next year when it's time to have the "Why don't black kids play baseball anymore" conversation just remember it's because "Junior" wasn't "Junior" anymore.

George Cook AAReports.com

Why pro athletes should not get a pass on throwing gang signs.

There has been much talk lately about gang signs on the field and or court in pro sports due to the situation between the Philadelphia Eagles and DeSean Jackson. In fairness the Eagles have never publicly stated that any gang connections were the reason for waiving DeSean Jackson. the LAPD has also cleared Jackson of being involved in any gang activity.

But back to the gang signs. I believe that athletes whether, pro, college, highs school, AAU, etc should not be throwing up gang signs while playing. I believe that pro players have more of an obligation to set the standard here. Young players emulate everything they do. If Lebron James was shown drinking a glass of milk before every game there would be a milk shortage in the United States within months...LOL.

Players should not be throwing up gang signs for one very simple reason. Gang signs get people killed.

Example, a young boy could be emulating a sign he saw a player making after scoring a touchdown and that gets seen by a real gang member. That gang member confronts the boy to find out what set he reps. The young boy of course reps no set but is now open to a beat down or worse death because he doesn't know how to answer that question.

Pro players have to remember that the majority of youngsters that live in inner cities know of gang culture many or not involved in gang culture. Many learn what they think goes on in gangs from the media which includes rap music. ( not Hip Hop ). Pro players have to be conscience of what they are putting out there.

I don't believe that professional leagues should try to regulate this issue because it's hard to tell what's a gang sign and what's a message to a loved one. The signs could also be someone truly repping their hood although in a misguided wya.. When my friends and I were younger we all played football and basketball together we would throw up a "W" sign for Winans Ave anytime we scored or made a great play. There was nothing nefarious behind it. It's simply hard to tell in the picture accompanying this article the player is not throwing up a gang sign but a sign representing a music label ( okay some say the Illuminati ). In truth only a true gang expert would know what's a gang sign and what's not.

The solution is simple.

I believe players have to take a look inward and decide to do what's best for the young boys and girls that support them by buying their jerseys and sneakers. The players themselves have to stop throwing up the gang signs. By doing this they are not only setting a good example but not glorifying gang culture, they could be saving lives.

George Cook AAReports.com