Cari Lucey’s Post

🔥 Calling all aspiring baseball stars and champions of tomorrow! 🔥 As we navigate the journey to Major League Baseball, it's crucial to tap into the fiery passion that fuels our dreams. For boys everywhere, and especially for our young Black athletes, understanding the depth of commitment and determination required is key. 🚀 Here are 6 POWERFUL questions every young ballplayer, particularly our Black boys, must answer to unlock their true potential on the diamond. These insightful questions are credited to me, C.J. Stewart: 1. 🤔 Why does baseball ignite a spark in your soul like nothing else? 2. 💪🏿 Why do you persevere when baseball throws curveballs your way? 3. 🏋️♂️ Why are you willing to put in the sweat and tears to perfect your game? 4. 🌟 Why do you envision yourself rising above challenges to reach the big leagues? 5. 🏅 Why do you believe your unique approach sets you apart as a future MLB star? 6. 🚀 Why is baseball an integral part of your vision for an extraordinary future? Let's ignite the passion, purpose, and potential in our young athletes, empowering them to chase their baseball dreams with unwavering determination! 💥⚾ #BaseballDreams #BlackExcellence #MLBProspects

GDTBATH

GDTBATH

"Honoring Legends: Integrating Negro League Records into MLB History" Exciting news in the world of baseball! As of May 29, a new all-time leader in MLB batting average exists. Josh Gibson, often hailed as the greatest player in Negro League history, now tops the list with a career average of .372. This milestone is part of MLB's initiative to integrate Negro League records into their official statistics, ensuring these legendary players receive the recognition they deserve. The integration has led to significant changes in MLB records, including Gibson, now leading in SLG percentage and OPS, surpassing Babe Ruth in both categories. Buck Leonard has also moved to 8th on the all-time batting average list with .345. While this is a monumental step in honoring these athletes, it's important to remember why these records were separate for so long. Integrating these stats is not just about celebrating achievements; it's about acknowledging the players' barriers and accurately telling their stories. Join the conversation. How will these changes impact baseball's history? #BaseballHistory #NegroLeagues #JoshGibson #MLB #EqualityInSports #HistoricalRecognition #SportsLegends #BreakingBarriers #InclusionMatters #LegacyLivesOn

Were you there for the “Golden Era” of New York City baseball? Baseball witnessed the illustrious history of New York City teams reaching their heights from 1947 to 1957. During that period, the Yankees were participants in the World Series nine times, winning seven times; the Dodgers were participants six times and won one championship; the Giants were also involved in two World Series during this decade, winning once. We owe a large part of this period to rousing intra-city rivalries and the rise of integration (but more on that next week). Arguably, the greatest intracity rivalry in professional sports during the twentieth century was between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees. Both teams surely had merit, as we already went over their illustrious wins from this period. But how did those teams even come into being? Let’s dive into that tomorrow, shall we? #Baseball #History #AmericanHistory #NationalPastime #TheNewYorkGame #Education #NYSBaseballHOF #NYCBaseball #Yankees #Dodgers #Giants #WorldSeries

⚾ Honoring Contributions and Recognizing Value ⚾ Baseball history took a monumental step forward last week when Major League Baseball decided to allow Negro Leagues statistics to be included in its record book. My Uncle Ron, who we lost last month, was the biggest baseball fan and negro league promoter I ever met. This move highlights the many stories he would tell my cousins and me and has significantly reshaped the sport’s statistical landscape. Josh Gibson, the legendary Homestead Grays star, will now rightfully sit atop MLB's career leaderboards in batting average and slugging percentage, eclipsing long-held records by icons like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. This long-overdue recognition highlights a crucial DEI lesson: for too long, exceptional talents and contributions have been overlooked or undervalued simply because of systemic barriers and biases. Incorporating Negro Leagues stats into MLB records isn’t just about numbers; it’s about giving due recognition and respect to those who were unfairly excluded from mainstream accolades. It's a testament to the idea that everyone’s contributions are valuable and worthy of acknowledgment, irrespective of race, background, or any other defining characteristic. In our workplaces and communities, how often do we overlook the contributions of those who may not fit traditional molds or who have faced systemic barriers? How can we ensure that everyone’s efforts are recognized and valued? This step underscores the necessity of creating inclusive environments where everyone's achievements are celebrated and a reminder for all of us to champion DEI principles in every aspect of our lives, ensuring that we recognize and value the contributions of all individuals. #DEI #Inclusion #Diversity #Recognition #NegroLeagues

How does winning sound?

In the 1960s, there was yet another change in baseball’s structure—the draft (and we’re not talking about the war here). As reported by Matt Kelly of the Baseball Hall of Fame: “Created in 1965 to restore competitive balance and to curb the inflated signing bonuses given to unproven players, the amateur draft is now recognized by MLB teams as a crucial tool to ensuring their long-term success.” The amateur draft offers the lower-ranked baseball teams the earliest selections to sign the best prospects from the talent pool. In effect, this hurt teams like the more successful Yankees and Dodgers, who would, in most cases, be the preferred choice of the ballplayer. #Baseball #History #AmericanHistory #NationalPastime #TheNewYorkGame #Education #NYSBaseballHOF #AmericanLeague #Yankees #Draft