Why do you think there only 8.5% African -americans in MLB?

Answer 1

That's easy-lack of participation. Most black kids gravitate towards basketball and football, and its been this way over the last 3 decades. Baseball has been trying to get more black kids into baseball, with efforts like the RBI(Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities)program, and there are others like it as well. Perhaps these programs will yield dividends in the years to come; only time will tell. From what I've heard, in some places black kids who choose baseball as their main sport are almost ostracized by other black kids for playing a game that's "for whites and Hispanics". Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia's' shortstop, testified to this. I hope that's not true or is an attitude that no longer holds amongst young black athletes. I would hate to think that the next Carl Crawford, Dontrell Willis, Ryan Howard or Barry Bonds was turned off to a career in baseball due to negative peer pressure. Kids are so susceptible to that stuff.

Answer 2

There are several factors but cheif among them would be cost. It is far easier to afford basketball and setting up a hoop in any city is easier than building a ball diamond in a city. Beause there are few African American players in the league there are fewer guys to look up to than a sport like basketball....who doesnt want to be the next LeBron? Some cities have set up baseball leagues and built fields for the kids but until there is a bigger effort this trend will continue. Some African American ballplayers are starting to take an interest in helping create some of these fields of dreams. Their efforts along with active efforts from the ML clubs themselves are the only way to turn this trend around. These tend to run in cycles so soon enough we will see an increase. Before the 70's there were virtually no non U.S. born players and with the globalization of baseball it is also more difficult to make it to the major leagues so with the increase of non U.S. born players that has had an effect as well. Because there are many Dominican and other nationality players that come from warm climates they also gain the advantage of year around ball where only in the southern U.S. can kids play year around.

Answer 3

most people see "black" players and think they are African American, but thats not the case. A lot of the players come from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, ect ect ect.

the main reason in my opinon is because Football and basketball are much more prevalant in their communities. These sports offer a faster track and more exposure than baseball. Sure there are many baseball players in the MLB but consider how many never make it out of the minors

Answer 4

NBA has nearly 80%* african-american players...
Maybe it's because not a lot of african american kids play baseball.And Most would already be idolizing the african americans in the NBA or NFL since most since the majority of players are black too....
There are probably more reasons...

Answer 5

each and every team has African American gamers and advantageous maximum have oriental gamers. i be attentive to you additionally could make an entire All-megastar All Oriental team because of the fact the devil Rays added a 0.33 baseman & final 12 months the Mariners crammed in the catching place with Johjima. while i replace right into a baby first following baseball the Boston crimson Sox replace into the final team to have a Black participant and that i asked my Dad approximately this.

Answer 6

Mostly because the NBA markets better to black youth than does MLB. Because their heroes are more likely to be basketball players, the better black athletes focus on that sport rather than baseball, and guys who have the talent to have gone pro either way (with years of practice) focus on basketball.

Answer 7

because they're off dominating all the other sports. in baseball you dont have to be huge. Hitting a baseball ball has nothing to do with strength but it does help, honestly there is no real answer for this i guess more black people can afford to go play basketball at the park for free which is cool. baseball cost alot of money and its hard to afford it

Answer 8

Cause they can use their natural talents better in basketball and football. I mean with baseball, it doesnt matter if you are white or african american, you could still hit 40 homeruns in a season. But I have never heard of a white basketball player who has a 50' vertical.

Answer 9

In my opinion, it's because a greater percentage of African Americans are in lower income brackets. Baseball costs a lot of money to play (signing up for leagues, equipment, transportation to fields, etc), and so they don't have the oppurtunity to participate.

An alternate theory would be that it's just not a popular sport in areas where African Americans tend to be concentrated (inner cities). Hell, my theories seem to be saying basically the same thing.

Is it unfortunate? I'd say no. Baseball is a shitty sport anyways.

Answer 10

Cuz they would rather play basketball and football. Baseball is not a big sport for inner city kids there are not enough field to play on so they play basketball and football.