Cecil Cooper, was made the Astros' first black manager in Astros history. This shows a huge step in diversity regarding authority, so why are black players decreasing?
Richard Lapchick, Director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at the University of Central Florida, has noticed the decrease
“Jackie Robinson’s dream was to see more African-Americans playing, coaching and in the front office. It is ironic that as the role of people of color dramatically
increases regarding who runs the game, African-American players continue to decrease."
The Astros are definitely making progress. Their 2005 World Series team was the first team in more than 50 years to play in the World Series without a single black player. Now the Astros have three black players, a black manager, even Kazuo Matsui, a Japanese player has become an Astro.
"We look different, we're diverse, if you think about it," said Cecil Cooper, "It's a pretty significant step. I don't think it was consciously done for that purpose, it was done because they were guys that were right for our team and we went for it."
Hopefully the progress of the Astros will spread throughout the entire league. The percentage of blacks playing the game is lower than ever, but with strides like these, the number is bound to increase.
Jackie Robinson has paved the way for many people today. Not only for black baseball players, but for any person who hopes to one day make their dream come true.
April 15th has been named "Jackie Robinson" day. Each year players, coaches, and managers take the field wearing the number 42.
"The significance of Jackie Robinson Day is not lost on anyone," said Bob DuPuy, MLB's president and chief operating officer. "As more and more people realize what April 15 means, not only for baseball, but for our country in general, I think you're going to see the celebration grow annually."
Jackie Robinson's number 42 has recently become unretired. It has been decided that any player who wishes to take over and wear the number may do so.
Michael Bourn, center fielder for the Astros, wore the number 42 when the Astros opened their series in Philadelphia.
"Every year, when it comes around and you honor him, you think about him," Bourn said. "He's the one that started it. It's just always an honor to put 42 on. It always will be as long as I'm able to play the game."
5 comments:
I am a big Astros fan...baseball at that. I had no idea that only 8 percent of MLB players were black. I believe that Jackie Robinson still opened the eyes and paved the way for more diversity on the baseball diamond. Without him proving that anyone of any race can play a sport, who knows how long it might have taken someone to get out there and play ball. The Astros have definately become more diverse with their players and managers. I think it looks good. With an all white team, people may begin to think that the organization is racist.
"We look different, we're diverse, if you think about it," said Cecil Cooper, "It's a pretty significant step. I don't think it was consciously done for that purpose, it was done because they were guys that were right for our team and we went for it."
That's amazing in itself. I like how they did not go out and try to recruit minority players. It's great that it all just fell together.
I have been watching my little brother play baseball for the past 14 years of his life. We always thought that he would go on to college to play baseball, but he was recruited for football. Though that is a blessing, we have to wonder why he was not looked at by the recruiters. I may sound bias because I'm his sister, but my brother is an amazing athlete. He has led many teams to championships, has the current record for stolen bases in his district, and has won many home run tournaments. It seems like schools would want a player like that.
But maybe one day colleges will make the same strides that the major league is trying to accomplish.
I think it's great to have a more diverse baseball team, especially in a city as diverse as Houston! It's kind of like the Rockets. This year, they're being led by Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady...
However, I don't think there should be a pressure to recruit players of different races. If the best players that try out for the 'stros are all white, so be it. If the best players are all African-American, then we should have an all African-American team. Players should be chosen by talent, not skin color.
I agree with Mel. I think things always get out of hand when sports, the educational system or even corporations begin looking at racial numbers. We are a diverse nation, but we are first and foremost a predominately white nation. It's who our founding fathers were and who first coloniezed this nation. Naturally, all of our institutions will reflect that. With that said, I believe Cecil Cooper voiced that sentiment in sports best in the comment you included.
" I don't think it was consciously done for that purpose, it was done because they were guys that were right for our team and we went for it."
That's how it should be. The major league positions should go to the best players, regardless of their race. If racism is ever to truly become eradicated, we have to stop looking at it and instead carry a "may the best man win" mentality.
Post a Comment