AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > August > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAfrican-Americans haven’t abandoned baseball
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
For the next three days, the biggest lie in the history of sports will be exposed with a bunch of swinging, throwing, fielding, sliding and running at Georgia Perimeter College in Clarkston. More than 100 high school baseball prospects, mostly from the South, will flash their considerable skills on campus, and here’s the thing: The prospects will be darker than the ball.
So much for the first part of the Big Lie, and that is, African-Americans are so enthralled with the likes of LeBron James and Michael Vick that they’ve forgotten the legacy of Jackie Robinson. Contrary to the belief of many and to the wishes of some, the reason the number of African-Americans on rosters in the majors has dwindled to less than 10 percent isn’t because they’ve stopped playing.
They’re still playing. They were playing 24 years ago when I wrote a weeklong series for the San Francisco Examiner on the drop of African-Americans in the game back then from 24 percent during the early 1970s to 18 percent. Those from Marvin Miller, the former head of the Players Association, to Bill White, the future president of the National League, said there was talk of a quota system in the game to limit the number of African-Americans on the field. I also discovered that the computerized free-agent reports used by the Major League Scouting Bureau at the time had a slot for race. Neither the NFL, NBA nor NHL had anything similar.
When I contacted former commissioner Bowie Kuhn about the practice that Miller, White and others said could be construed as a way to run a quota system, Kuhn said he was stunned. He issued a memo ordering team officials to keep slots for race off scouting forms.
“They [baseball officials] knew what they were doing at the time by putting race on those forms, and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing now to highlight that there are a lot of good kids playing who are African-American, and they just need a chance,” said Roger Cador on Thursday. He’s the splendid baseball coach at Southern University, and he is part of an Atlanta group called Mentoring Viable Prospects. It’s a group that spent last autumn brainstorming this weekend’s MVP Showcase into existence.
In addition to Cador, the group includes Milt Sanders, a local businessman who first proposed the tournament, and Greg Goodwin, the assistant principal at Redan High School. “We’ve never been under the impression that baseball is dying out in the African-American community, because we’ve seen the Little Leagues at Gresham Park and at Wade Walker Park and at Brownsmill Park and at Old National just filled with kids playing,” said Goodwin, who also coached Redan’s baseball team that had 16 players sign pro contracts, including Brandon Phillips, the second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds.
Then there is Cador, in his 28th year coaching at Southern University, where one of his proteges was Rickie Weeks, the Milwaukee Brewers second baseman who was voted the top amateur athlete in the country during his Jaguar days. “I’m telling you that, right now at Southern, we have a minimum of 10 players who really can play,” said Cador, bringing us to the second part of the Big Lie. That is, officials in the majors just don’t know where to look for African-American players.
See Phillips. See Weeks. Mostly see this weekend’s collection of African-American talent, with a heavy emphasis on those from Georgia and Florida. According to Goodwin, college coaches will attend the tournament for recruiting purposes, and he said that, after he contacted all 30 teams in the majors, 14 said they were sending scouts, including the Braves.
Not only that, Danny Montgomery, the assistant scouting director of the Colorado Rockies, spoke with passion this week during a scouting directors convention in Las Vegas about the importance of attending the MVP Showcase. “There will be some first-round draft picks there, and [my peers] could hear the passion in my voice,” said Montgomery, an African-American, in his 18th year in scouting. “I told them, ‘If you think black kids aren’t playing, then you’re going to come and see six teams [featuring those prospects] absolutely full of them.’ They were very receptive to what I had to say.”
Montgomery added that there was even discussion at the convention about whether to resume the practice of putting a slot for race on scouting forms. This time, he said they want to make sure the number of African-American players in the game is going up instead of down.
Said Montgomery, “No question that from what I saw this week, [baseball officials] don’t want to put a Band-Aid on the problem anymore. They truly want to heal the wound.”
Yeah, well.
We’ll see.
Permalink | Comments (70) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Terence Moore
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By Mike C.
August 17, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this
When I was a kid in Va. Hank Aaron was my baseball hero. He still is even to this day. I never saw the color of his skin as a reason not to love him. He is and always has been a terrific person. Because of him I’ve remained a Braves fan since 1958. Today I love to watch Andruw continue to grow, mature, and play. He’s my favorite current Brave. I hope more Africa-Americans get into the game. I love to watch good players no matter who they are or where they are from. I think the influx from the Carribean area and South America has been nothing but good for baseball. Good article. Thanks.
By bravesfansince1966
August 17, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
The problem might be related to the fact that there are far too few African-American fathers at home throwing a ball to their sons….all too often the sons are being raised in poverty by a single mother. This is sad but true!
By Bill Cosby
August 17, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this
What the hell is an “African” American?….Does that mean someone that was born in Africa, and then immigrated to America, and then became a legal citizen? People like T. Moore are the people that keep making excuses for lazy black people. Get over it and make something out of yourself—stop blaming “whitey”!
By Love Child
August 17, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Terrence loves Cynthia Both dislikes whites This causes racism ajc is weak not to adjust Blacks like basketball and football, baseball ios not their best game.
By bobby cox
August 17, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
What the hell is David Justice doing on the bench? I thought we traded that chicken lover. What? That’s Brian Jordan? Aw, hell, they all look alike. These damn Mexicans make better players anyway except for that gorilla the Phillies got.
By bobby cox
August 17, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
What the hell is David Justice doing on the bench? I thought we traded that chicken lover. What? That’s Brian Jordan? Aw, hell, they all look alike. These damn Mexicans make better players anyway except for that gorilla the Phillies got.
By dfree
August 17, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this
nobody cares t.moore, the best players play, maybe if the black kids spent more time playin baseball than buying jerseys and ballin, tryin to be rappers, actually got off their a* and quit blaming the white man, the white man is not keeping them out of baseball, quit b***.
By Larry
August 18, 2006 06:18 AM | Link to this
Moore’s comments bring the race card into the situation - as expected by someone like him - but why not look around baseball and basketball and check out the non-American (black and white) in sports today. The South Americans are taking over baseball and the Europeans are invading basketball, so leave the race card out of it. Its Americans vs South America and Europe now.
By just4fun
August 18, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this
It’s not only the race that determines if a kid gets a chance … it’s the almighty dollar too. My son played from tee-ball all the way through until he was 15. Played on an All-Star team and won championships. But when he tried out for high school baseball alongside some of his All-Star teammates he was cut though even other parents who knew him and saw him play couldn’t believe the coach kept lesser players because the family had lots of money to contribute and his family was on the verge of poverty. This child has no chance at a college scholarship now that he isn’t playing. Money is the real issue in sports programs not race!!!!
By JEWELL ROLLEN
August 18, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
HOW DOES THE AJC ALLOW SUCH “RACIST” POSTS ON THIS SITE. IT’S DISGUSTING!!!! IS THERE NO ONE MONITORING THES SICK MINDED PEOPLE???
By JEWELL ROLLEN
August 18, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
HOW DOES THE AJC ALLOW SUCH “RACIST” POSTS ON THIS SITE. IT’S DISGUSTING!!!! IS THERE NO ONE MONITORING THESE SICK MINDED PEOPLE???
By JEWELL ROLLEN
August 18, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
HOW DOES THE AJC ALLOW SUCH “RACIST” POSTS ON THIS SITE. IT’S DISGUSTING!!!! IS THERE NO ONE MONITORING THESE SICK MINDED PEOPLE???
By cityofdecatur
August 18, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
T. Your article shoots down your own point and your mention of 3 parks in atlanta area compare that to how many hoops games or pop warner participants. Your just wrong and fixated on the race vicitimazation that you can’t shake. You are more of the problem than whitey at least all whitey want s is more GREEN. Your rant on race is old and tired. read the story of why moses and those of the exodus weren’t allowed to step foot on the promised land. You will never see the equality of America because YOU can’t. YOU CAN’T not that it’s not there but you can’t see it. You need to go to victims annonomous 2wice a week for the remainder of your days.
By Twilb Dawg
August 18, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this
Terence PLEASE DROP THE RACE CARD!!!!!
It is people like you, that talk about it NON-STOP that will not let the issue die. How do you ever expect people to move on if all you do is dwell on things such as this?
By Rob G
August 18, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
T Moore…is this 1966? No it is 2006 and everyone has an opportunity to succeed. Your comments are a totally uncalled for…Let me think Isn’t Corey Patterson black and from Atlanta? Just because Francore and McCann plus Markakis and others from metro atlanta are white and made the majors and some black players havn’t is not the issue…it is the issue of going through the farm systems and competing for a job…not making excuses because of a skin color or money etc…it is work ethic and commitment to become better.
By Jay
August 18, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
TM, excellent article! Keep writing, we will keep reading and so will your little haters!
By darrell robinson
August 18, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
The problem is that major league baseball does not market to inner city youth like the other sports …also baseball is not as exciting game as say football and basketball where it was once the american past time ..times have changed and it is now third in line in american sports ..it is a dull sport unless you really just have a love for the game thats why baseball allowed the steriods to come into play because it was boring and a dying game ..now there being hypocrites and basically trying to stick it to 1 man and thats bonds … im no bonds fan but right is right the lenght to which baseball and this country is going to to get this man just because he passed the babe is ridiculous……if players like josh gibson and others played back then it would be there records not ruth …there is race in everything but in a lot of ways things have gotten better and in others its just hidden
By steve
August 18, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
That’s the ticket Terrence! Keep those thought provoking articles coming. Wow, what a crock!
By Carl
August 18, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
Wait. Let me get this straight…..Is the gest of this column that baseball clubs are intentionally overlooking black players? Mr. Moore, are you kidding me? There are many, many areas in society where race is a problem but this is not one. You cheapen the fight for equality when you play the race card when it is not true or neccessary. We all know what happened when the little boy cried wolf too many times, people stopped listening. And people stopped listening to you long ago. For that, you should be ashamed of yourself! By making ridiculous arguments like this, you move us backward not forward.
By Ron
August 18, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
It’s not a “Big Lie”. Nobody is lying. Yes, there will be a lot of kids at Georgia Perimeter College with dark skin, because Clarkston is now a nearly all-black area. “Contrary to the…wishes of some… it isn’t because they’ve stopped playing.” Who, Terrence? Who wishes black kids would stop playing baseball? I guess being African-American, you hear from a lot of people - mostly other African-Americans, I bet - that we whites don’t want black kids playing ball. I never hear that, even when the company I’m with is all-white. Not one of my white sports-watching friends has EVER said anything about not wanting black kids in sports. NEVER. What world are you living in, Terrence? How sad it must be to walk this earth believing that every person you see who has white skin has it in for you and your kind. By the way, as a huge Braves fan, my favorite current player is Andruw Jones. My favorite all-time player? Hank Aaron. I’m glad they decided to play ball. Contrary to the belief of some.
By Chris
August 18, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
Terence good article…let’s hope it doesn’t fall on deaf ears. Sad that your article has allowed that ugly head of racism to come out even on the posts that the AJC allows.
Keep up the GREAT work… I am glad you are writing about things that really matter unlike the fluff articles about Vicks pony-tail or Jim Mora really being a nice guy.
God bless you!
By Gary Reasons
August 18, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
Terence you bring up a great point. It’s obvious John Schuerholz always trades away the African-American players…sad, but true. This is why the Braves will never win anything…they won when they had them as the nucleus of the team. J Dye has a world series ring and an MVP to boot.
By Vince
August 18, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
HOW DOES THE AJC ALLOW SUCH “RACIST” POSTS ON THIS SITE. IT’S DISGUSTING!!!! IS THERE NO ONE MONITORING THES SICK MINDED PEOPLE???
And, how does the AJC allow such a “RACIST” column by one of their writers???
By Ron
August 18, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
Percentage of black players in professional basketball, 80%; football, 67%; baseball, 17%. Percentage of whites in America: 75%. Percentage of blacks: 12%. Terrence, what the hell are you complaining about? The percentage of blacks, even in baseball, is greater than the percentage of the population. In Basketball and football, blacks make up an overwhelming majority. And still it’s not enough for you. Who is the real racist here?
By now thats sarcasm
August 18, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
“he said they want to make sure the number of African-American players in the game is going up instead of down”
Fantastic! Just what this country needs! Affirmative Action for young black men trying to break into the white-dominated world of professional athletics. Way too many of these discouraged youngsters are intimidated by the athletic prowess of the causcasian. Way to stand up for the underdog, Terrance!
Next Moore column: Music execs try to convince urban black youths that they too can become rappers! It’s not just for whites anymore.
By DKM
August 18, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Unbelieveable! Mr. Moore is trying to start an affirmative action program for major league baseball players! I have news for you, if a player can hit a curve and a 95 mph fastball or throw five innings of shutout ball a team will sign him tomorrow! I have seen Mr. Weeks and Mr. Phillips play and my impression of both is that they are good players who have been rushed along because there is a lack of talent in the majors. Now I find out that it is because of writers and high school coaches trying to smooth the way for a certain group of players because of their color! Please don’t try to lay any more guilt, I am not buying it. Athletes should be on the field because of their talent and work ethic not because of their skin color. Anyone who says otherwise is trying to destroy sports and the competition it teaches our young people for life!
By now thats sarcasm
August 18, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
“he said they want to make sure the number of African-American players in the game is going up instead of down”
Fantastic! Just what this country needs! Affirmative Action for young black men trying to break into the white-dominated world of professional athletics. Way too many of these discouraged youngsters are intimidated by the athletic prowess of the causcasian. Way to stand up for the underdog, Terrance!
Next Moore column: Music execs try to convince urban black youths that they too can become rappers! It’s not just for whites anymore.
By now thats sarcasm
August 18, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
“he said they want to make sure the number of African-American players in the game is going up instead of down”
Fantastic! Just what this country needs! Affirmative Action for young black men trying to break into the white-dominated world of professional athletics. Way too many of these discouraged youngsters are intimidated by the athletic prowess of the causcasian. Way to stand up for the underdog, Terrance!
Next Moore column: Music execs try to convince urban black youths that they too can become rappers! It’s not just for whites anymore.
By Ron
August 18, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
There is no quota in professional sports. The best players make the team - always. But there is a quota in journalism. The AJC is a very liberal newspaper with a need for African-American writers. That is the only reason Terrence Moore is on the staff. He is clearly not a good writer. He leans on his crutch phrases, such as “the choppers and chanters”, “anyone with a tomahawk across his chest”, and “Cy Glavine, Cy Maddux and Cy Smoltz”. Every third article he writes deals with racism in sports, usually in areas where none exists. And inevitably, his columns tend to ramble, and become illogical by the third paragraph. Terrence Moore is exceedingly fortunate to have a position of such high eminance with so little talent or insight, and with such an ugly chip on his shoulder. Editor, please take note: Terrence Moore is grossly underqualified to write for this great newspaper.
By ebineezer
August 18, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
Is it racist to have only black, I mean African-American, players at the showcase and not allow the Latin American-Americans or the European-Americans or the South American-Americans or the Asian-Americans or etc..? What about just regular Americans that are not from some other country. Are these African-American players banned from attending the hundreds of other showcases held every year to help ball players get noticed by college coaches and scouts? Well, no, African-Americans can and do go if they want to. What about playing high school baseball? African-Americans can and do play that and make a name for themselves through it as well. Can African-Americans go to open tryouts that colleges and pro teams have all over the country? Well, yes they can and do, when they want to. To tell a half truth is to tell a whole lie. According to Mr. Moore the reason the percentage of blacks, I mean African-Americans, in MLB has gone down over the years is because of what would have to be some nationwide racial conspiracy against the black, I mean African American, baseball player by the white, I mean European-Americans. I would contend the percentage of white, I mean European-Americans has gone down over the years as well. The South American-American, Central American-American, Caribeen-American, and the Asian-Americans percentage has gone up. This would be the group that has to be stopped as they are discriminating against both the black, I mean African-Americans and the white, I mean European-Americans. Anybody remember the little kids song we used to sing in Sunday School…”Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, Native-Americans, Asian-American, African-American, European-American, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” Political correctness doesn’t change the meaning of the song but it totally messes up the rhyme and rhythm.
By realdeal
August 18, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
No one is looking at the influence that the travel teams have on the process. Francoeur,McCann,Farnsworth,Barrett all came from the local travel teams. If you can’t pay the travel team freight, $3000 and up,then you gets no looks.
My son played against some powerhouse teams from Gresham Park and Old National in the late nineties. Those kids have gone on to become football and baseball stars at Fulton and Dekalb county high schools. They have the skill sets to become stars in any sport, but baseball is more of country club sport than football or basketball.
By harryo
August 18, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
Terrance
I would disagree and say that Blacks, as in fans and players, have abandoned baseball and for variety of reason. Of the three major sports, baseball is the only sport that isn’t on free TV on a regular basis. During football season every city that has a team can see its away games, and home games if they sell out, same with major college games. Most of the major basketball games are on free TV, college and pro. With baseball, a third of the teams in the league don’t broadcast any games on free TV and baseball waits until after the all-star break to broadcast any national games, and that’s only on the weekend, and only until football season starts, where baseball takes a back seat to football, especially on Saturdays. If young African Americans don’t see baseball but get an overdose of basketball and baseball, they’ll move toward those sports. Also most athletes who can play baseball well have the skills to play other sports and when they see their peers in high school and college football and basketball on national TV, they wonder why nobody covers the high school baseball championship or why nobody can find the NCAA baseball tournament in the papers or on TV.
By E.B.
August 18, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
Race is and will always be an issue that is swept under the rug only to be brought up time and time again. I’ve often said that if I could change my son’s name to Pedro, Manuel or even Cisco he would have a chance. I’ve been a fan of the game since 1981 with hopes of my son making it to the league one day. It’s a who you know game even if you’re a god child or cousin teen generations down the line. Give blacks the chance to prove themselves. GP is ok for a showcase, but the scouts are looking for that other,color not BLACKS. I’ve been there and we still have to prove ourselves in more ways than they have to. I support the game and would love to see more blacks in it. We buy their garb’s. It’s just like Nike. We need to have ownership, meaning more playing time in the league.
By Grand Wizard
August 18, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore, what part of Africa were you born in?—and E.B. you hit the nail right on the head when you said, “We(meaning blacks)need to have ownership”. You are absolutely right, because remember when that devil “whitey” brought you people to this country and sold you into slavery? Well, you sure as hell had “ownership” then boy didn’t you?…Why don’t you darkies get off your a$ses, throw down your crack, and your “foties”, and go join the military so you can fight for your damned country instead of trying to burn it down!
By Nick
August 18, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
What about the dramatic decline in white basketball players in the NBA since the 1960s? Maybe next you should write an article about how whites are being kept out of the NBA and we need to form white-only basketball camps to make sure these players get extra advantages that you are pushing for black baseball players to have.
By Jesus
August 18, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
Terrence, Terrence, once again you have missed the point my son. Lead my children to use their skills and talents to become better people. To seek education and knowledge, not affluence and greed like the white man. Only through the seeking of love, truth and spirituality shall you reap the fruits of happiness.
Besides in baseball you’re a slave for 6 years JACK!! And thats after you get to the show. My brothers need to go for that MAD NBA cash! They gots to get paid up front! It aint cool to be working for them Racist crackers and not get PAID!!! In the NBA, you can get paid AND cadillac for 3 years before you have to try for that next contract. You need to get with the new Terrence and quit pushing that baseball, son.
By ComeBackToReality
August 18, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
It makes me sad to see people respond so unconstructively, and in some cases with such racially divided hatred.
I agree that it is interesting to see numbers of african american (meaning black players born in America) declining in the big leagues. However, correlation does not imply causation.
It is not logical to assume baseball managers and GMs are across the board racist. It is also not logical to assume that they are worried about anything aside from making money and winning. John Shurholz does not just trade black players. Look at Jason Marquis and Jason Schmidt. Look at Wes Helms, Ryan Klesko. He has brought plenty of black players into Atlanta too. Gary Sheffield, Marquis Grissom, Kenny Lofton. Any GM that is motivated to keep good players out of the big leagues because they are black will not be a GM for long. Show me one good player who has been stuck at triple-A ball because he was black.
To sum up, I agree that it’s troubling that there is a decline in black baseball players. I don’t agree that it has anything to do with MLB being racist, and certainly not any GM of the Braves. Let’s look for real answers, and not play the easy race-card.
By Jesus
August 18, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
Terrence, Terrence, once again you have missed the point my son. Lead my children to use their skills and talents to become better people. To seek education and knowledge, not affluence and greed like the white man. Only through the seeking of love, truth and spirituality shall you reap the fruits of happiness.
Besides in baseball you’re a slave for 6 years JACK!! And thats after you get to the show. My brothers need to go for that MAD NBA cash! They gots to get paid up front! It aint cool to be working for them Racist crackers and not get PAID!!! In the NBA, you can get paid AND cadillac for 3 years before you have to try for that next contract. You need to get with the new Terrence and quit pushing that baseball, son.
By baerdawg
August 18, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
Why is anyone still talking about baseball anyway when the Dawgs are going to kick off in two weeks?
By DALE WHITE
August 18, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this
I agree more African Americans need to be on major league rosters. I have read articles that state the reason attendance of African Americans at baseball games has decresed over the years is their inability to relate to non African American players. What I find puzzling in your article is your inference that Major League Baseball has chosen to ignore African American players. I can’t say it isn’t true, but its very hard for me to believe that the Braves or any Major League Team wouldn’t do everything possible to sign the best talent available no matter what race or nationaility.
There has to be a reason why African American participation keeps decreasing at the Major League level. I do not believe its because of a lack of interest, or a blatant conspiracy to ignore African American players.
I think your article is thought provoking, but I think you need to go a step further in your research. I think we need to evalutate the numbers of African American players on high school, AAU and college rosters and if their numbers have also decreased over the past decades before throwing darts at Major League Baseball. Very good article.
By Mike Harvey
August 18, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Terence, great article!
I coached 20 years in the Cascade Youth Organization. I once took a group of kids at age 5 and stayed with them until they were 20 years of age. We won District Championships along the way and National Wooden Bat Tournments. All but two of my guys received either scholastic or athleletic college scholorships, which ran the gamut from Albany State University in Georgia to Northwestern University in Evanston,Illionis.
African American kids are indeed playing baseball at a high level all over this city, but do not get noticed if they are not playing in the famed East Cobb program.
What separates East Cobb from Cascade? Simply money. Each year ten percent of my players could not afford the registration fee to compete. A mere $100. A fraction of what it costs to play in the East Cobb Program. I would subsidize their registration fee and shell out money to equip them with a pair of shoes and a quality baseball glove. We also, received contributions from the late Gary Homles (whose father and grand father intergrated the Atlanta Golf Course in the late 1950’s) and former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Robert Benham.
We played under the banner of the Homestead Grays. Our motto was to “play hard and smart”. Once the Grays stepped between the white lines, what they lacked in equippment and training facilities, was made up in a fierce desire to compete in the tradition of the Homestead Grays of Old.
Inspite of those who are quick to label you a racist because you expose a cancer that is eating away at the fabric of our National Pasttime, my 20 year experience is the reality of inner city baseball. Those young men who are able to push through the obstacle of poor playing facilities, equipment and limited fundamental baseball instructions, ought to be given an opportunity to compete at the next level.
Kudos to the organizers of the MVP Showcase!By the way their is a middle infielder toiling at the Medil School of Journalism at Northwestern University who ought to be showcased this weekend.
By Ryder
August 18, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
Jesus, grow up. You sound like a typical black man, always chasing the cash with no sense of intelligence whatsoever. The real problem is people like you who force this thought of chasing the money, fame and cheap women by going for the quick buck down the throats of our young people. That’s why there are so many flameouts in sports today. They don’t take time to develop their gifts, they refuse to listen to anyone except butt kissing yesmen and as a result they’re done before they even step foot on the floor or the field. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who have the same mindset.
It’s one thing if an athlete (regardless of race, we’re talking situation) decides to go pro at 19 if he has to provide for his family, but to go because some greedy agent convinces him he’s ready before he really is (does Maurice Clarett come to mind?) that’s another thing.
Baseball has expanded into a global sport more than any other sport (the NBA is not far behind) so we can no longer pigeonhole it in regards to why blacks are no longer interested in the sport. Think about it, it’s much easier (and much less expensive) for a group of kids to get together and throw around a football or play a baskeball and a hoop than it is to get a bat, a ball, and a whole group of people to play. They see the commercials to “be like Mike” (notice how you don’t see any baseball players in many of these commercials anymore) and you’ll see more basketball goals than you will baseball fields.
It’s no longer just about blacks, baseball is now about all races.
By Matt
August 18, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
This article really made me SICK !!! For one thing Americans are Americans! I get sick of Black guys who have lived in America longer than myself to be calling themselves African-American.And besides that I was in Africa a few years ago and black people would do themselves a favor by not claiming the African name.Theres nothing to be proud of over there! I am tired of the race card being pulled into everything! I never see any articles about the need for more white people to be playing basketball.Racism makes me sick!!! Get a life Terence!
By Ryder
August 18, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
Jesus, grow up. You sound like a typical black man, always chasing the cash with no sense of intelligence whatsoever. The real problem is people like you who force this thought of chasing the money, fame and cheap women by going for the quick buck down the throats of our young people. That’s why there are so many flameouts in sports today. They don’t take time to develop their gifts, they refuse to listen to anyone except butt kissing yesmen and as a result they’re done before they even step foot on the floor or the field. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who have the same mindset.
It’s one thing if an athlete (regardless of race, we’re talking situation) decides to go pro at 19 if he has to provide for his family, but to go because some greedy agent convinces him he’s ready before he really is (does Maurice Clarett come to mind?) that’s another thing.
Baseball has expanded into a global sport more than any other sport (the NBA is not far behind) so we can no longer pigeonhole it in regards to why blacks are no longer interested in the sport. Think about it, it’s much easier (and much less expensive) for a group of kids to get together and throw around a football or play a baskeball and a hoop than it is to get a bat, a ball, and a whole group of people to play. They see the commercials to “be like Mike” (notice how you don’t see any baseball players in many of these commercials anymore) and you’ll see more basketball goals than you will baseball fields.
It’s no longer just about blacks, baseball is now about all races.
By Terrance McKinney
August 18, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
Thats right Terrance we need to force them to play even if they aren’t interested.
We are SICK of the Kill Whitey party you throw. Can you hit a curveball???????????
By OJ Simpson
August 18, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
You need to stop hatin on whitey Terrence, they got me off.
IF THE GLOVE DOESNT FIT YOU MUST AQUIT!!
By Andy
August 18, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
‘The big lie’ and ‘heal the wound’ would be wounderful things for every human being to discover for themselves and do something about. We all have our own versions of the ‘lie’ and ‘wound.’ Some people started out making a difference and then lose their way—its the human condition. TM I feel you now do more to keep race an issue (and the keep the attitudes of the world is somehow against a group-not for each person issues and lessons than you do to serve anyone of your race or more importantly the human race. Of all the concerns—even sports only related concerns—-this ‘wound’ is simply not. How come their is so little heard (if anything) from outspoken ‘african amercian’ players standing up and screaming for justice? Could their be improvement of any group of young players visiability thus increasing their possiblity of recuitment….uhhh yeah. Absolutly. Does baseball ‘owe’ any group to make sure they are seen based solely on ‘group color.’ NO. You want to beat a drum to create buzz for a certain group to help create visialibity GREAT. Is there a conspiracey to keep a certain group down to promote another group—-that way they(whoever they are) could somehow make more money off one group than another….? Its about money—pure and simple. If someone can make money off a blue player they will. So where is the benefit to keeping money on the table? If there is a lack of scouting in a certain area someone will find it and make money off of it. That’s why 14 team scouts came to the show. I believe scouts make money off finding talent. I feel your article says there is an ‘under currant’ of not wanting to give someone a chance because of color. Wishful thinking. I think there is a lack of leadership and community that prevents the talent being shown is a way that the “system” can easily discern what they have. If they can goto area A and see 100 top kids or goto area B and see 50—where do you think they will go 1st? To me it is just that simple. If the community of black amatur baseball leaders make a difference then there will be a raise in sheer numbers of players. Thanks for the article.
By AntMo 94612
August 18, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
I’m from Oakland. We have baseball teams FULL of black kids who play and win Babe Ruth Regional and outright championships with Babe Ruth All-Star Teams. They compete with and often best their more affluent Oakland Little League compadres on the field. They play on the best fields in Oakland and are made to feel like the champions they usually are. By the time they reach high school, baseball is given t he short shrift. The fields are shoddy, baseball equipment isn’t procured so the black kids who must choose which sport they want to excel in either go with football or basketball- Especially basketball- where it is cheap to play, you can play in top notch gyms including those on college campuses like Cal and and the Cal States all night. The bottom line here is not a conspiracy, but simply a choice.
There is a lot of stuff to put up with in baseball that doesn’t exist in basketball or football. Some feel it’s not worth it. For example, baseball has all of these “unwritten” rules where players and coaches feel emasculated (like little biyatches) if you do certain things. If you bunt with a lead, you might get a beanball next at bat, sadly, many urban blacks don’t know how or want to play the role and let stuff like that slide.
Signed,
31 y/o black guy who loves baseball
By AntMo 94612
August 18, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
I’m from Oakland. We have baseball teams FULL of black kids who play and win Babe Ruth Regional and outright championships with Babe Ruth All-Star Teams. They compete with and often best their more affluent Oakland Little League compadres on the field. They play on the best fields in Oakland and are made to feel like the champions they usually are. By the time they reach high school, baseball is given t he short shrift. The fields are shoddy, baseball equipment isn’t procured so the black kids who must choose which sport they want to excel in either go with football or basketball- Especially basketball- where it is cheap to play, you can play in top notch gyms including those on college campuses like Cal and and the Cal States all night. The bottom line here is not a conspiracy, but simply a choice.
There is a lot of stuff to put up with in baseball that doesn’t exist in basketball or football. Some feel it’s not worth it. For example, baseball has all of these “unwritten” rules where players and coaches feel emasculated (like little biyatches) if you do certain things. If you bunt with a lead, you might get a beanball next at bat, sadly, many urban blacks don’t know how or want to play the role and let stuff like that slide.
Signed,
31 y/o black guy who loves baseball
By H2
August 18, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
Terrance, first of all, I must applaud your courage to write such an editorial on such a shameless aspect of baseball in America: “African-Americans haven’t abandoned baseball.” As a person who has played the game of baseball with passion and every ounce of salt in my body, and one who remains an avid fan of the sport today, IT IS truly an embarrassment to see the bigotry in the comments of some of the bloggers who read your column.
I wish were possible that everyone would keep an open mind about the issue of “Black youth in baseball” or the lack thereof. It is such a hot topic, and like anything political, it divides us as a nation…whether by lines of color, or by lines politics.
Yes it’s true, African-American kids aren’t rushing to play the sport of baseball in droves as we (yes, I am African-American) as we once desired. Of course, I believe this to be the case for several reasons. Some you may or may not agree with, but here goes.
First, there are now alternatives to baseball: academics, band and chorus, internet activities, computer games, and hanging out at the mall. However, sportswise, it’s namely basketball and football. Secondly, track and field and soccer. The later, maybe not as much in the deep south. Third, and my last reason is, baseball has been shut out to many African-American kids in our urban and suburban communities across the United States. Whether it is from the lack of funding in our schools, or something as heinous as “hiding the pickle” (meaning entities creating their teams and leagues from within their own socio-economical structure…thus, shutting the door to those less fortunate as far as the pocket goes.
Finally, do I believe there is collusion on the parts of others (MLB and in American Communities) to keep the sport mostly white? Emphatically, yes I do! Do I believe, as far as major league baseball is concerned, that there is a push to keep the flood gates open to the kids coming in from south of the United States and from parts of the Hispanic community? Yes, I do! But to put this somekind of perspective, it is all about being able to sign GOOD talent at the LOWEST price. Bringing in kids who are (without question) very talented for the very least. This is done quite a bit in a free-market society. Let me make it PERFECTLY CLEAR, I have no problem with Hispanic ball-players an the opportunity they are getting in baseball in America. Remember, at one time, African-Americans sought the same opportunity.
Somehow, as I believe in the circle theory of “what goes around, may come back around” - African-Americans may be looking for that chance, again, to play again.
H2
By charlesflowers
August 18, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
My name is Charles Flowers. I was the head football and baseball coach at Shaw High School for the past 17 years.I think that over the years we had some pretty good teams. I know Greg Goodwin very well. We played each other while he coached at Redan High School.I have move on to become the Muscogee County School District’s Athletic Director. I think that those who do not know need to get out and see who is playing baseball. I feel that the black coaches who have a passion for the game should get out and make themselves visible to the public and continue to nurture our national pastime. There is as much talent or more out there in baseball that other sports.I further feel that as parents of potential baseball players should get their son the exposure at camps , clinics and private instruction. Black baseball players are NOT on the decline, we just have to continue to provide them wtih the guidance that is necessary for them to excel…..C.Flowers
By quint
August 18, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
Ccheck out any rural high school in the state of Georgia where the black-white ratio is near 50-50. There will be almost no black kids on the babseball team (at least not 50-50) but the majority of the basketball and football starting lineups will be black. Then look at the soccer, golf, and tennis teams. Again, most of the players will be white. I once worked in a school system where the system ratio of blacks-whites was about 65-35 and at my high school it was 75-25. Black students made up the majority of every sport team except baseball and soccer, which were dominated by the white kids. Sometimes you can’t find players of a certain race if they don’t tryout. I even had a black baseball player( acity all-star) who told me that he had never seen a coach teach a white kid to throw a baseball from the outfield but that he had to help several of his black friends to do the same because they never played with a baseball until high school.
And Terrence, didn’t Braves management bring back Brian Jordan, gave him a shot, and still have him on the payroll today?
By Brent
August 18, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
I can’t for the life of me believe that the powers that be in MLB are trying to keep african-americans out of the game. Come on! Last time I looked, there were plenty of black & brown athletes playing in the Majors. Just because they aren’t from America, doesn’t mean that there’s racism involved. And yes, growing up, I did notice fewer black kids playing baseball than any other game. And honestly, I think it had something to do with school being out, and lot of the poor black kids being from broken homes. Coaches would come by to pick them up, and they were nowhere to be found. But, during football and basketball season, they had classmates (and as they got older, coaches) to check up with them every day.
Sad, maybe, but nonetheless I know it was a factor. The one black kid in my class who actually kept playing baseball all the way through his senior year, was from a wealthy family, where his mother was a teacher and his father was a principal.
By Brent
August 18, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
And let me add (and not just a CYA move), that the poor, white kids from broken homes, also had trouble playing out the baseball season. Once school was out, we lost track of them.
Truant officers take summers off, I think.
Go Braves!
By Anrgy Braves Fan
August 18, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
This website is supposed to be about BRAVES BASEBALL!!! Will you idiots PLEASE stop throwing race into the picture? Mr. Moore, I respect you as a writer, but you really need to get over this racist crap. Baseball doesn’t have room for racism.
By Angry Braves Fan
August 18, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
Oops, there was a typo in my name. It’s supposed to be Angry Braves Fan.
By Tom
August 18, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this
I canceled this rag last year. Decided to give it another try. But am too busy to be continually brow beat with these meaningless and unfounded stories accusing me of being a racist from Terence and Cynthia.
Canceling again. For the last time….
By bfred
August 18, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
Give me a break. Major league baseball is about winning. Nobody cares what color the players are when their team brings home the World Series. Even if half the teams were short-sighted enough to deliberately overlook high-quality talent (an absurd proposition), the remaining teams would be stocked with the bypassed players. Reduced demand would likewise cause small market, low-payroll teams to be stocked with black players because the price of signing would be less. Not to mention that it is a lot cheaper for a scout to go to a Redan game than to Venezuela. Moore’s logic doesn’t stand up to the slightest scrutiny, but sure gives blacks a nice fiction to feel indignant about. But I guess that’s the point - nice work, Terrence.
Oh, and there was no “uproar” when Bonds passed Ruth, just resignation. People don’t want Bond to succeed because he is a selfish, cheating jerk. For him to benefit from that cheating and eclipse Hank Aaron, one of the finest individuals the game has ever known, would be a travesty. Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa got more of a pass because they at least seemed to be decent people, though I wouldn’t want either of them passing Aaron for the same reason.
By ICU
August 18, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
Terence, thanks for the truth. Those of us who have even a slight knowledge of MLB are aware of its racist history. You brought out the many ignorant racists I’ve always known lived here and elsewhere. By showing my friends the posts in response to your article, they were able to see racism is not dead and doesn’t necessarily live in a trailer with illiterate, redneck Bubba. Keep up the good work.
By ICU
August 18, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
Terence, thanks for the truth. Those of us who have even a slight knowledge of MLB are aware of its racist history. You brought out the many ignorant racists I’ve always known lived here and elsewhere. By showing my friends the posts in response to your article, they were able to see racism is not dead and doesn’t necessarily live in a trailer with illiterate, redneck Bubba. Keep up the good work.
By bfred
August 18, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
By the way, when someone posts as Bobby Cox not knowing the difference between his black players or as Bill Cosby blaming declining black player counts on laziness, recognize satire for what it is. These people were making fun of Moore. Just because there are two true jack*sses posting on this site doesn’t mean they have anything to do with MLB.
By Shaun Payne
August 18, 2006 06:44 PM | Link to this
Aren’t we all African American?
Fossil evidence seems to show the first modern humans evolved and lived in Africa, therefore we are all descendents of Africans. Maybe it would be better to say “people with dark brown skin” or “black.” Where do you draw the line? Is an American of hispanic descent and African descent an African American. What about an American with Hispanic, African, American Indian and European descent. Isn’t it kindof rediculous to put people in a box? I wouldn’t be offended if you called me European American, but I would think you were pretty stupid and making some big assumptions about my ancestry that I don’t even know.
By Cynthia McKinney
August 18, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
Don’t u guys know that I’m Terrence in drag
By B. Hicks
August 18, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this
I think it’s a great thing for someone to be giving back to the young Black men. Being a single parent it is hard to be a dad and a mother. I can’t do it all and I think that’s what we all should do give back. Life doesn’t always grant everyone the opportunities that others are given, so sometimes our ARICAN AMERICAN BOYS just need a chance. Thanks to all that participated and found it in there heart to help those less fortunate.
By dadgum
August 18, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
OK I am usually over at the DOB blog but I can tell you that I get tired of hearing or reading about complaints that Terrence Moore always plays the race card. I coach high school ball, AAU, in VA. It doesn’t matter what their color, social status, you name it. The best players play the most period. Time to step up or step out. It’s gut check time sports fans. I don’t give a damn if their skin is purple, when they show up for the first day of tryouts the ones with passion survive the first cut. If you are lazy, don’t hussle, think you are entitled, out of shape then you are cut first day no questions. see ya. Pass it on. The whole team may be black, white, yellow, orange , purple, skinned. Doesn’t matter. You don’t like it great I don’t care.
By Ronwell Q. Polk
August 18, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Good to see all the Mississippi State baseball fans here. That’s baseball…
By Ronwell Q. Polk
August 18, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Good to see all the Mississippi State baseball fans here. That’s baseball…
By Brainerd
August 19, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this
less n**** in baseball cause it’s a thinking man’s game
By BadgerDawg
August 19, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this
Newsflash: the U.S. is more than 50% female and there are no women baseball players. Can’t Terrence or the raging femenist version of him at the AJC(I’m sure there’s a lot more than one maybe draw straws) can write about the travesty of MLB holding back female-Americans(just wanted to hyphenate something pointless.) Also, let’s get someone to finally stand up and write about the NBA holding back those who reflect too much sun a.k.a. the white man. No more oppression, quota system for all!
P.S. As someone pointed out earlier, blacks are overrepresented based on population data as it is. Does that mean that MLB is correcting an error from before? Or maybe, just maybe, they’re getting the best players from wherever they can find them. Crazy thought. Maybe it’s just too obvious for a race pimp columnist to see.
By Terence Moore
August 19, 2006 02:45 AM | Link to this
I just need a little “nilla” pus sy!