A new generation of African Americans is gradually returning to the game that was once a staple of Black communities across the United States.
Noteable African American historian Gerald Early, expressing the profound place of baseball in this country’s culture, has said, “I think there are only three things America will be known for 2,000 years from now…the Constitution, jazz music, and baseball.”
The percentage of Black players on Major League Baseball (MLB) active and inactive lists on Opening Day (March 25) this season was 6.8%. The number comprised 64 players. That’s an increase from 6.2% last season and 6% in 2024.
Over the past two decades, there has been a targeted focus by MLB and other baseball organizations on creating and developing programs that are designed to grow the interests and participation of Black youth in the sport. Negro Leagues Family Alliance, The Players Alliance, and the MLB Youth Academy among them, along with individuals including Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene, and Philadelphia Phillies rookie outfielder Justin Crawford, son of former MLB All-Star Carl Crawford.
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) ventures have also been integral to the upward trend of engagement in baseball among Black players and fans. According to the website Statista, African Americans make up 8.2% of the MLB fan base. While still a relatively minuscule demographic representation, it is rising.
This past weekend, the inaugural Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic, hosted by Black Baseball Media — a company specializing in baseball marketing and promotional services — was held at the iconic Wrigley Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs. The three-game weekend series featured Prairie View A&M and Alabama A&M, two HBCUs that are members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
Saturday’s game at Wrigley Field, won by Alabama A&M 10-7 — Prairie View took two out of three — was the centerpiece of a weeklong celebration of HBCU culture and exposure of the deep legacy of African Americans in the sport. There was palpable symmetry and intentionality to the Classic being held on May 2 as it marked 106 years to the day that the first-ever Negro Leagues game was played with a team from Chicago being a part of the groundbreaking moment.
The Indianapolis ABCs and Chicago American Giants took the field at Washington Park in Indianapolis, Indiana, to usher in one of the most indelible and consequential periods in American history as some of baseball’s all-time greats, a list that includes Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Larry Doby, and Satchel Paige began their professional careers in the Negro Leagues. Not only were Negro Leagues players seminal athletic figures, but civil rights advocates and social justice trailblazers. Insight that was imparted at the Classic.