The Black College World Series played this week in Alabama hopes to spur pro careers amid declining numbers of U.S.-born Black players in the major leagues.
The Black College World Series played this week in Alabama hopes to spur pro careers amid declining numbers of U.S.-born Black players in the major leagues. Not a single alum from a historically black college or university was on a Major League Baseball opening day roster. U.S.-born Black players made up only 6.2% of those rosters. Last year's World Series was the first without a U.S.-born Black player since 1950. Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith said it’s a trend that concerns current players and his contemporaries alike.