Interesting article.
There are a few reasons for the decline of black ballplayers. One is that many black young men play basketball or football. Nowadays, in high school and college, players are discouraged from playing other sports. They are encouraged to specialize and play just one, which for many black athletes ends up being football or basketball.
Another reason is the huge influx of foreign players in the major leagues. American born players of all races are competing with increasing numbers from Latin America and Asia. Arguably some American born players from all backgrounds are being squeezed out by Latin and Asian players.
I see LeBron James was whining that he doesn’t make as much as Miguel Cabrera. If I were Cabrera I would suggest that James play 160 games per season before whining about only making only $19 million per season.
One of the best sports articles I have read is how Jason Heyward of the Braves made it to pro baseball. His commitment from the age of 15 was incredible, but another aspect highlighted was the amount of money and time it took from his family.
His dad drove 80 miles per day to have him practice and play. He played on one of the best travel team organizations in the country, East Cobb in the Atlanta area. He practiced with his team 6 days per week, even after games they had practice. In addition, from the age of 15, he hit 1,000 balls per week, apart from what they did at team or school practice. He is a great natural athlete, and still had to do all of that to make it to the big show.
All of those things, as I can personally attest with a promising young player myself, costs money and a time commitment from the whole family, which I’m sure is abundantly present in the inner city communities.
Those wringing their hands about the lack of black players should take a realistic look at the incredible effort it took from Heyward and his family, and see how that is the limiting factor for most other players, regardless of race. It takes a lot of time and money in the USA to develop the skills to be a pro-baseball player.
Sorry to say, baseball just isn't that exciting for Americans. Just like the English aren't all that crazy about cricket.