Little League International’s Post

Celebrating Black History 365! #BH365 I am proud to represent the Negro Leagues Family Alliance Great article by Cesar Brioso, Sports Producer at USA TODAY In February for Black History Month, USA TODAY Sports is publishing the series "29 Black Stories in 29 Days." We examine the issues, challenges, and opportunities Black athletes and sports officials continue to face after the nation’s reckoning on race following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. This is the fourth installment of the series. Zachary Mueller, Ed Schauder, Noah R. Kastroll

⚾🌟 As we embrace January and gear up for Black History Month and MLB Spring Training in February, an important conversation emerges. In the coming days, articles will surface discussing the decline of African-Americans in baseball. What do you think are the top three reasons behind this decline, spanning from youth leagues to the Major Leagues? Share your insights and let's engage in a thoughtful dialogue on the future of diversity in America's favorite pastime. 💬🤔 #BaseballDiscussion #MLBInsights

Baseball has been an integral part of Black culture since its inception, rooted in both the struggle for equality and the joy of the game. Discover the historical significance and personal reflections on this powerful connection in my latest blog. Read more: [Understanding baseball’s historic significance](https://lnkd.in/e2GmwCJc)

Please meet one of the most genuine people I know. Be sure to check out her book, More Than Representation: The Cheat Codes to Own Your Seat at the Table. Congrats to Raven Jemison!!!! #womeninsports #womeninbusiness #eventmanagement #eventproduction #leadership

This is an honorable and, frankly, an overdue decision by the MLB. The Negro Leagues showcased some of the finest professional baseball players, who were excluded solely because they were Black. The existence of the Negro Leagues was a direct result of racism and bigotry, making it a necessity for participation in "America’s Pastime." These players endured hardships, often sleeping on buses because hotels refused them entry due to their race. Some players, like Jackie Robinson, were undeniably exceptional, demonstrating the elite talent within the Negro Leagues. History: Josh Gibson was considered the best power hitter of his era in the Negro Leagues and perhaps even the majors during his tenure from 1930-1946. The 6-1, 220-pound Gibson was nearly indestructible behind the plate. He occasionally played left field or third base, but never for more than a game or two. The Sporting News, baseball’s written authority for decades, credited Gibson in 1967 with hitting a 580-foot home run in Yankee Stadium. The ball landed two feet from the top of the bleacher wall. In 1972, Gibson was elected to the Hall of Fame. He passed away on Jan. 20, 1947. Read more about Josh here: https://lnkd.in/gW-yAbMi #SocialTalk #Faculty #Professor #afroamerican #CRT #americanhistory #ushistory #banned #criticalracetheory #Blackpeople #Black #blackhistory #historylovers #DoddsEducates #dei #diversitymatters #UnitedStates #USA #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Polialertcom #segregation #intergration #Education #MLB #MajorLeagueBaseball #NegroLeague #NegroLeagueBaseball #JoshGibson

The Future of Baseball in the Black: A Call to Champions 🌟⚾ The journey of baseball in our community isn't just about enhancing coaching techniques; it's about amplifying our capacity through substantial financial backing. In the game of baseball, just as in life, we aren’t here just for fun—we're here to win. To achieve this, we need an approach as dynamic and diverse as the Marvel Avengers. 🛡️🌍 Our vision requires the collective prowess of skilled Black men capable of everything from coaching on the field 🧢 to advocating on global stages 🌐, and even weaving the principles of faith into the fabric of our strategies. These are not just players; they are pioneers, setting the stage for future generations. I am steadfast in my role within this transformative movement, dedicated to keeping my path clear and secure for those who will walk it after me. In this game, consider me the Ace of Diamonds—ready to lead and determined to win. 💎✨♦️ Join Us in Shaping the Future Connect with the LEAD Center For Youth (https://lnkd.in/dn8ddBTP) and get in the game with Minority Baseball Prospects (https://lnkd.in/eExygMQt). Together, let’s champion the cause of Baseball in the Black, building a future where our young athletes not only play the game but also win at the game of life. 📸 Rodney Cofield,Jr.

Stephen A. Smith and the Lack of Black Coaches in the NBA In this video, we discuss why Stephen A. Smith missed an opportunity to advocate for more black coaches in the NBA. Join the conversation as we analyze the impact of representation in the league. #StephenASmith #BlackCoaches #NBA #RepresentationMatters #SportsTalk #BasketballAnalysis #RaceInSports #DiversityandInclusion #SportsCommentary #NBAUpdates

Yesterday, the world lost a legend when Willie Mays passed away at the age of 93. #SayHeyKid He was always bigger than baseball, although his prodigy level understanding and skill in the game of baseball meant that he was not only a generational player, but one of THE most influential players in baseball history. And yet - 4% of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, who vote on MLB Hall of Fame candidates, believed that he was not a first ballot Hall of Famer (which is still UNBELIEVABLE and yet somehow not at all) when he only got 96% of the vote. He passed away before he could witness history being made, as tomorrow, the SF Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play the first MLB game at Alabama's Rickwood Field, which is the oldest professional ballpark in the country and the former home of the Negro Leagues' Birmingham Black Barons. Notably, Mays started his baseball career here, in the Negro Leagues, before joining the New York Giants. Also notably, this will be the first game in MLB history to have an all-Black umpire team. These five umpires are the only active Black umpires currently in MLB; in the history of the National and American leagues, there have only been eleven (!!!) Black umpires. Ever. As many of us pause to remember #Juneteenth today, it's important not only to understand the impact of June 19, 1865, but how it, the Civil War, and systemic racism continues to impact Black Americans today, in 2024. Even in things that people may feel matter less, such as the sport of baseball. They matter, because they reflect society, opinions, growth, and change - or lack thereof. If this is history you're not familiar with, it's really important to do the work now (which likely involves some unlearning in order to learn), so you understand how we got from 1865 to 2024, and how we move forward - collectively, or not at all. RIP, Willie Mays. Thank you for showing us what was possible, and for lifting all of us along the way.

This luncheon was special. Quick recap below