[kidd]

To the best of my knowledge, there are presently no barriers that keep black athletes from playing baseball.

I would conclude that less black athletes simply don’t want to play baseball. They choose to use their skill sets on other sports or in other professions.

[LeoMcNeil]

I agree, fewer black kids want to play baseball. I’m simply exploring reasons why that may be.

[okie01]

I would conclude that less black athletes simply don’t want to play baseball. They choose to use their skill sets on other sports or in other professions.

That is clearly the case. Baseball, compared to football and basketball, requires patience and a certain discipline.

There is no "instant gratification" in baseball. A player does not move directly from college to the "big leagues". Natural athleticism is important in baseball, but there remains several layers of acquired skills that must be mastered as well.

Playing the game correctly involves more self-discipline than other sports -- there is no "showtime" in baseball. Moreover, there is an unspoken "code of conduct" among the players that reinforces this self-discipline.