Over the past month, baseball players around the country have been taking a stand in protest against systemic racism and police brutality. From kneeling during the national anthem to displaying Black Lives Matter t-shirts in the dugout, baseball players are showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement and making their voices heard. But why are baseball players protesting? Here, we’ll explore the reasons behind the protests and how they’re making a difference.
The History of Systemic Racism in Baseball
Baseball is one of the oldest sports in the United States, and the sport has a long-standing history of racism and exclusion. From the early days of segregated leagues to the modern day lack of diversity in front offices and managerial positions, racism in baseball is deeply rooted. This history of racism has created an environment where racism is accepted and even encouraged in some cases. As a result, many Black players have experienced racism firsthand and seen it in their everyday lives.
The Impact of George Floyd’s Death
The death of George Floyd in May of 2020 was a tipping point for many. As with other deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police, his death sparked outrage and protests around the country. For many baseball players, it was a reminder of the systemic racism they’d been facing throughout their careers and an opportunity to take a stand.
The MLB’s Response
In response to the protests, the MLB released a statement that they “stand in solidarity with those raising their voices for change.” While the statement was widely praised, it was not enough for some players, who felt that more should be done to address systemic racism in baseball. In response, several players took action and began to protest in their own ways.
Players’ Protests
One of the first players to take a stand was Oakland Athletics outfielder Mark Canha, who knelt during the national anthem before a game. Other players soon followed suit, with some kneeling and others opting for a more symbolic protest, such as raising their fists. Many teams also began wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts in the dugout, and some teams even took a knee together before games.
The Impact of Players’ Protests
While the protests may have been small in size, they have had a huge impact. Seeing players take a stand has been an inspiration to many and has sparked conversations about racism in baseball, as well as in society as a whole. It has also brought attention to the lack of diversity in baseball and the need for change in the sport.
Conclusion
The protests by baseball players over the past few weeks have been inspiring and have brought attention to the need for change in baseball. From kneeling during the national anthem to wearing Black Lives Matter t-shirts in the dugout, these protests have made a powerful statement and have sparked conversations about racism and diversity in the sport. Ultimately, it is up to the players and MLB to take action and make real change, but for now, these protests are a step in the right direction.