Astros manager Dusty Baker says absence of ANY US-born black player from the Houston-Phillis World Series – for the first time since 1950 – looks bad for the sport – but sees hope in this year’s top MLB rosters
This World Series between the Astros and Phillies is unlikely to feature a black player born in the United States
It would be the first time since 1950 that the unfortunate stat has come true
Astros manager Dusty Baker, who is black, played in three World Series with the Dodgers
And he believes the lack of a US-born black player in this series is a bad view for the sport
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Astros manager Dusty Baker lamented the absence of a US-born black player from this year’s World Series, as Houston’s matchup with the Phillies will be the first time in 72 years without such a player.
Baker, who is black, enjoyed a long MLB career, playing in three World Series (all with the Dodgers), securing a ring in 1981.
But this year’s edition of the fall classic will break a long line of US-born, black entry into the series, a fact Baker made clear with his displeasure.
Dusty Baker played in three World Series with the Dodgers and won a ring in 1981
“I don’t think that’s something baseball should really be proud of,” Baker told reporters.
‘It looks bad. It lets people know that it didn’t take a year or even a decade to get to this point. But help is on the way. You can tell by the number of African American No. 1 concept choices.”
It should be noted that black players from places such as Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic will be part of this Series, although baseball has a long and ugly history of racism.
Black players were not allowed to play in what would become known as the MLB until 1947, when Jackie Robinson made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Bryce Harper (right) has had a strong postseason so far, as he hit five homeruns
While there was no written rule to keep players like Robinson out of the game, according to the sport’s leaders, there was a “gentleman’s agreement.” britanicameant that the sport was not racially integrated for a long time.
For example, Robinson and other black players played separately in the Negro Leagues, which largely existed between the 1920s and the late 1940s.
However, as Baker pointed out, there is cause for optimism about black people’s participation in the sport.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve holds his arms up during World Series workouts
Four of the top five picks in this year’s MLB Draft were black, including Druw Jones, the son of former Braves star centerfielder Andruw Jones.
While Baker hated not seeing a US-born black player in this year’s Series, he seemed to end his response on an optimistic note.
“The academies produce players,” he said, “so hopefully we won’t have to talk about it or even be in this situation in the near future.”
The Astros and Phillies will play Game 1 of the series in Houston on Friday.
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