The Black Baseball Mixtape

The Roberto Clemente Award is the most prestigious award in MLB. The Roberto Clemente Award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Past winners include Willie Mays, Willie Stargel, Rod Crew, Don Baylor, Curtis Granderson, and Derek Jeter. And in 2023, five of the nominees are African American. That's five African-American players out of thirty nominations. That's 16.6%. The players are Tony Kemp (A's), Marcus Stroman (Cubs), Jojo Gray (Nats), Aaron Judge (NYY), and Hunter Greene (Reds). What a tremendous honor. If you add the nine LatinX players that are nominated, that makes nearly half the league. I truly love how this game is growing, and I am happy to share this information. Salute to every player nominated regardless of race. It's a stellar accomplishment.

Kerrick Jackson is a true trailblazer. He made history last year when he was hired as the first Black baseball Head Coach at the University of Memphis. In one season at Memphis, Jackson led the program to their first winning season since 2017, racking up 29 wins. In June, he accepted the head coaching job at the University of Missouri. A hire that allowed him to return home - he had served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Mizzou from 2011-15 - and to make even more history as the first Black head coach in Mizzou baseball history and the first Black (baseball) head coach in the history of the SEC. On this episode of the BBM podcast, I spoke with Coach Jackson about his decision to leave Memphis and return to Mizzou Baseball. We spoke candidly about the history he is making, the impact on his family, and the challenges of coaching at the highest level. He is truly a tremendous leader and one of our favorite all-time guests on the BBM podcast. You will certainly learn a lot from this episode. As always, please subscribe, rate, and share the BBM podcast. Follow everything Black Baseball Mixtape on Instagram.

Chances are - if you're a boxing fan, you've seen Brandon Watson's face. He is one of THE faces of boxing, along with his brother Marcus and his father Sam. But even though you may have seen his face, you probably don't know his story. Brandon Watson took the long way to achieve his dream of being an MLB player, but he did it. At the age of 23, Brandon made his debut with the Washington Nationals in 2005. He homered in his MLB debut. He was a true MiLB legend, batting 355 in AAA, along with a record-setting 43-game hitting streak. He did all he could to stick in the majors, but MLB is a tough business, and his career fluctuated between a few short stints at the top level and a decade-long career in the minors. On this episode, I had the opportunity to hear Brandon's baseball story. Learn about his involvement with the Players Alliance, and also hear about his work with his brother and father in boxing. Brandon is a humble man, but don't get it twisted, he's one of those plugs that makes things go. The special ingredient, if you will. And if you listen to this podcast, you'll get the sense of just how in tune he is with sports, culture, and entertainment. Please rate, review, and subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. It's the fastest-growing baseball podcast dedicated to Black culture in the national pastime.

"The Fair Ball Foundation provides need-based financial support, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for college-bound African American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander American, and Native American students. Through scholarships, fellowships, internships, and ambassadorships, Fair Ball provides the funds necessary to CLOSE THE GAP between partial aid packages and the full cost of attendance, covering tuition, fees, books, materials, and other essential college expenses while reducing dependance on loans."On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape, I am joined by Tevin Tucker (WVU Baseball/Rockies) and Kaelen Culpepper (KSU Baseball). Both are Ambassadors for the Fair Ball Foundation. We discussed their baseball journeys and the Fair Ball Foundation's role in their lives. Most people don't know that baseball scholarships are different from football and basketball; there are virtually no full scholarships for baseball and softball players, so the financial burden can be debilitating, and can cause talented student-athletes to struggle on and off the field. The Fair Ball Foundation is dedicated to helping student-athletes in need close the gap. You will hear from both Tevin and Kaelen how important the foundation has been to them, and how the financial support of the Foundation allowed them to perform to their best abilities on the field. Learn more about the Fair Ball Foundation: https://www.fairballfoundation.org/Please follow both Tevin and Kaelen via their IG pages.

This is another amazing episode from my visit to Seattle during All-Star week. This episode is a conversation with Phillies legend Ryan Howard. I sat down with him at the Players Alliance Game Changer Awards. I'm going to assume you already know how dominate of a slugger Ryan was but just in case you forgot:3× All-Star (2006, 2009, 2010)World Series champion (2008)NL MVP (2006)NL Rookie of the Year (2005)NLCS MVP (2009)Silver Slugger Award (2006)NL Hank Aaron Award (2006)2× MLB home run leader (2006, 2008)3× MLB RBI leader (2006, 2008, 2009)It was an honor to chat it up with Ryan. Please rate and review this episode. Enter for a chance to win the first-ever BBM tee shirt. You must review the podcast and screenshot your review to us on IG: BlackBaseballMixtape.New podcast every Monday. Join us on IG Live every Sunday night at 9 PM EST.

Emergency Short: This is truly the end of an era on the Southside of Chicago. Allow me a minute to tell you about Kenny Williams.

Everyone will learn something from this episode. Last week, I had the honor of speaking with Jean Lee Batrus. Jean is the Executive Director of the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF). YDF is a joint initiative by Major League Baseball and the Players Association to support efforts that focus on improving the caliber, effectiveness and availability of amateur baseball and softball programs across the United States and internationally. From local-based programs to the Hank Aaron Invitational and HBCU Swingman Classic, the foundation helps make youth baseball and softball more accessible – creating economic opportunities, strengthening communities, and building character – on and off the field.I spoke to Jean about her role at YDF, and how they strategically change communities through access to baseball. It's a fascinating conversation. Everyone interested in revitalizing a community through baseball or even just offering baseball access to kids that don't have local stability should tune in from start to finish. Please rater and review this episode. Share it with a friend, and leave a comment. Your support goes a long way to growing the Black Baseball Mixtape.

I'm excited to share this conversation with Royals prospect Tyler Tolbert. Tolbert, 25, plays for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. He is a true utility player, playing infield and outfield: wherever the team needs him. He is in the top five in the Texas League in stolen bases and is second in the league in hits (118) and triples (6). Tyler shared a lot in this interview. He talked about his approach to the game, changing positions, and even going to Austraila for winter ball. The Birmingham native went to college at UAB and was drafted by the Royals in the 13th round in 2019. I enjoyed hearing him talk about his experiences as a young player. He wasn't surrounded by a lot of players that looked like him. But he talks about the amazing support system around him and, ultimately, finding peace and brotherhood within his peer group. Tyler is an exceptional young man. I know you will enjoy this conversation. Please rate and review the BBM podcast. Every subscriber helps.

This episode features the return of one of my favorites guest, Edwin Jackson. I spent a large part of All-Star week with EJack and other members of the Players Alliance as we attended the first-ever HBCU Swingman Classic, Toni's Promise softball games, the Players Alliance Game Change awards, and other meaningful panels. This podcast was recorded live at the 2023 Game Changer Awards honoring Dave Sims, Mike Cameron, Ken Griffey Jr., and Toni's Promise. I spoke to EJack about the week and his work with the Alliance. We had some fun too, talking about his Gala outfit and the first baseball player he knew to wear a grill (spoiler alert...it was Gary Sheffield). Please subscribe and review the Black Baseball Mixtape. Your support is critical.

The Washington Nationals' Jojo Gray is having a tremendous season. The 25-year-old, Right-handed pitcher is posting one the best pitching WAR (Wins Above Replacement) in all of baseball: 3.2. He has a team-high 7 wins, with 102 Ks (to date) and an ERA of 3.27. He was named a 2023 MLB All-Star for the first time, and he pitched a scoreless inning in this year's All-Star game, helping the National League to their first win since 2012. I briefly sat down with Jojo at the Players Alliance Game Changer Awards. The awards took place Sunday night of All-Star week. MLB All-Star players were getting into Seattle, so it meant a lot for Jojo to attend the event. We spoke about the importance of the Alliance, his favorite players, best dressed, and who'd he'd like to face in a "Dream" match-up. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Please rate and review the show. Special thanks to the Players Alliance for helping make this podcast happen.

BBM hit legend status at the 2023 MLB All Star Game in Seattle. I was able to steal some time with Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark. I asked them both about the first-ever Swingman Classic and the work of the Players Alliance. You don't want to miss this short but compelling episode. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast. Please like, subscribe, and share. @BlackBaseballMixtape on IG@BBallMixtape on Twitter

This is the first episode from our time at the 2023 MLB All-Star week. This episode features two of culture's most influential content creators: The Kid Mero and Lou Young. BBM founder, Cheats, spoke to Mero on the field at T-Mobile Stadium before the All-Starr game, and he sat with Lou at the Player Alliance Game Changer Awards. You will enjoy both of these interviews. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Please rate and review the show. You can follow on IG and YouTube at: BlackBaseballMixtape.

I hope you're enjoying this break from the standard interview podcast. I'm learning from the overnight numbers that I should consider more of these types of podcasts. Day 3 was lighter than the first two days — a blessing in disguise. Not to bury the lead, but I met Amber Sabathia! She's amazing (as expected - again, whoever said don't meet your heroes had the wrong damn heroes. I was so excited to meet her. I watched Toni's Promise dominate the competition. I did a ton of shopping - a ton: too much. The lobby is a movie. I took a few pics. I had a few people recognize the brand — always nice. Check out the recap. Please share it with a friend. Please rate, review, and subscribe.

I'm summing up Day 2 of my MLB All-Star activities with one word: historic. The day was historic on two fronts: The Players Alliance and Minority Softball Prospects (MSP), each launched inaugural undertakings. Toni's Promise is a U17 softball team comprised of Black girls from all over the country. They are coming together and playing in the Jennie Fench Classic for the very first time. That was followed by the Inaugural Swing Man Classic/HBCU all-star game. Roughly 10,000 fans showed up and showed out. The atmosphere, the game, the drumline: it was a vibe. Day 2 is in the books. I'm dead tired, but I will be back at it tomorrow. Please subscribe, rate, and review this podcast.

BBM Family, Cheats here! And I'm doing something new: I am recapping my days at MLB All-Star Week in Seattle. Today was my first day; it was a half-day due to travel, but, boy, did I get it in. And did I mention that I met Ken Griffey Jr.? If not, I met KEN GRIFFEY JR.! That story is in this episode. I also met: Cito Gaston, Bill Rhoden, Marvin Freeman, and many (many) more people. What a first day. It was like an actual family reunion. Please subscribe, rate, and review this episode. I will be posing recap episodes every night. Special thanks to the Players Alliance. Additional thanks to MLB HQ.

Last Friday (June 30, 2023), I had the honor of being in Norfolk, VA, as the Norfolk Tided (AAA- Orioles) celebrated Negro League Night at Harbor Park. This podcast episode is extraordinary. I sat down with Daz Cameron of the Tides to talk about his career and the honor of being a member of the Tide on this particular night. Daz is a second-generation professional player. His dad, Mike Cameron, was a 16-year pro with 3 gold gloves and an all-star appearance. Daz is striking his own path after being drafted by the Astros in 2015 and making his pro debut for the Tigers in 2020. In 2022, he signed with the O's and is having a solid season for the 1st-half International League East Champs. During the podcast, Daz talked about his love for baseball, how he stays focused, and how he would do facing Bob Gibson. It's an enjoyable episode - on a very special night.Please subscribe, rate, and review the Black Baseball Mixtape. Your support is appreciated.

On this Black Baseball Mixtape podcast episode, Cheats sits down with Washington Nationals' #1 prospect (MLB #6), James Wood. The Harrisburg Senators centerfielder spoke about his approach to improving his game, his early love for baseball in a house full of hoopers, his journey from Maryland to IMG (Flordia), to the draft (San Diego), and now back to his hometown club (the Nationals). It's a wild ride. James is a thoughtful student of the game. You would never know that this old soul is just 20 years old. His future is exceptionally bright; he was named to the MLB Futures Game this week. The conversation was a lot of fun — and full of great gems for baseball fans of any era. If you like this interview, please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape; everywhere podcasts are available. Please rate and review the show. Your support is appreciated.

On this special episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats sat down with Trey Lipscomb of the Harrisburg Senators. According to MLB.com, Trey is the #18 prospect in the Nationals organization. He was drafted in the 3rd round of last year's draft — after completing a stellar senior season at the University of Tennessee. On the podcast, Trey talks about his journey from a college walk-on to a professional baseball player. He's always been "a guy" everywhere he's gone, whether it was right away or after a few years of perseverance. This is an honest look into Trey as a player and a person. You'll learn a little about how he fell in love with baseball and how the game took him from his hometown of Maryland to Flordia, a travel team in Atlanta, to the University of Tennessee. You'll also learn some lighter sides of Trey as he talks about music, the idea of playing hockey, and even marine biology (sort of). This is an excellent window into one of the game's more interesting and exciting young players. Please subscribe, rate, and review the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast.

Cheats HERE! And on this Black Baseball Mixtape podcast episode, I sat down with a true BBM legend: Delino DeShields. DeShields is currently the Skipper of the Harrisburg Senators (AA - Washington Nationals), but we at BBM will always remember DeSheilds as one of the coldest base-stealing icons of the 90s. He ashed the high socks - he had all the swag - and the culture knew it. In our conversation, we learn the differences between playing in his day and today. We discuss Black ball players' challenges and the value of just playing the game at all levels. The episode is educational; it's fun, and it's filled with Black baseball joy. Please enjoy — rate, review, and subscribe.

Happy Juneteenth BBM Family!We're right in the middle of a fascinating College World Series. Here are a few players to watch: TCU's Tre Richardson & Austin Davis, Tennessee's Christian Scott and Christian Moore, Standford's Drew Bowser and Braden Montgomery, and LSU's Tre Morgan. The games are going on right now in Omaha. Check out these exciting players.

The BBM Group Chat (on Discord) has been on fire, talking about Tim Anderson's podcast episode on The Pivot. Our very own Cheats weighs in with thoughts about Black baseball fans and media.

Brand New on the BBM podcast: Flobo Flow Ep. 1 - Stock Up, Stock Down: Are you buying stock in the 1st place Arizona Diamondbacks?

David James has spent a lifetime encouraging young men and women to "Play Ball." He is the Vice President of Baseball and Softball Development at MLB. He oversees MLB's grassroots efforts, including the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program, better known as RBI. On this podcast episode, David and I get into everything. I asked him about the RBI program's evolution and the path to encourage more Black and Brown kids to play baseball. I asked him about his love for the game and how it developed over his life. I asked him about their partnerships with MLB, MiLB, and the principal sponsor Nike. David is a wealth of knowledge, and we discuss it all. This episode is truly a learning opportunity. It's a chance for you to understand the work that goes into MLB Development at the grassroots level. And it's a chance to meet an outstanding leader in David James. As always, please like, review, and share this episode. BBM genuinely appreciates your support.

Should the Yankees do a Nike City Connect Uniform?

Throughout my journey of interviewing Black baseball players, I'm not often able to visit with HBCU graduates in the pro ranks. Carter Williams, 25, outfielder for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, not only plays for my hometown team but is also a graduate of North Carolina Central. On this quick podcast episode, Carter talks about his adjustment to pro baseball, adding meditation to his game (and life), and his early love for the game. The NC native is making the most of his opportunity in AA baseball. He's quickly becoming a fan favorite with the Squirrels and a player to watch in the Giants' org. Please like, subscribe, and review the Black Baseball Mixtape.

Shakeia Taylor is an award-winning journalist and editor. She is a Senior Deputy Editor at the Chicago Tribune — an all-around rockstar & "Everyone's Homegirl." And she is our guest on this episode of Mixtape Talk. Shakeia has been on our guest "Dream List" since the inception of BBM. She is a passionate baseball fan and a fantastic sports and culture writer. She hosts the monthly podcast "Ballpark Figures," where she talks with some of the biggest and brightest in the game.In 2021, Shakeia won the SABR Analytics Conference Research Award and an AP Sports Editor Award. Her writing often lands at the intersection of baseball and Black culture, and it's a much-needed perspective in today's baseball media landscape. This wide-ranging episode covers Shakeia's origins in baseball fandom (and writing). How she views the intertwining of baseball and Black culture, and the future of baseball and sports media. It's a fantastic episode. Please follow Shakeia @Curlyfro on Twitter. She is a must-follow.

Everyone loves a good list, right? Well, the Black Baseball Mixtape (BBM) is no different. We love to debate a great list. Debate is our thing. This is your window into the Black baseball barbershop conversation. For those who live it: You already know what it is.Who is the greatest MCs of all time: Jay-Z, BIG, Nas, Kendrick, Drake, Black Thought? There are no wrong answers — just be prepared to stand by your word.What is the best TV series: The Wire, Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights, Vanderpump Rules? (Okay, I added that last one ). Who is the best baseball player of all time: Mays, Bonds, Paige, Trout, Shohei?You get the point: WE LOVE THE DEBATE LIST!This list informs you about the best young African-American players in baseball: 24 years old and younger. This list is not for prospects. Therefore you will not see names like Druw Jones, Temarr Johnson, or Elijah Green — all of which will be on this list one day. This list is for those in The Show or right on the cusp. So, let’s get it going.Follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on Instagram and Twitter. You can join our Discord group chat by DMing us on IG.

Matt Frazier is an exciting young prospect for the Pittsburg Pirates—the left-handed hitting OF burst on the scene with a breakout season two years ago. He is now the starting centerfielder for the Altoona Curve. Cheats (BBM) sat down with Matt this week in Richmond to introduce him to the BBM community. Matt talked about playing baseball from a very young age (3), having a father who played pro ball as his mentor, and his passion for fashion. Matt is the type of player the Mixtape community should follow and rally around. He is thoughtful, passionate, and a hell of a player. This episode is fun, entertaining, and educational. Please follow and subscribe to the podcast. I'm going to ask you to rate and review the show. You can follow Matt at MattFraizer3 on IG.

If you want to talk about Oakland baseball, you can’t get any better than Bip Roberts and Dave Stewart. These two Oakland legends were our featured guests on last night’s BBM IG Live.Please check out the conversation and subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast. BBM is the fastest-growing baseball podcast dedicated to highlighting Black culture within the game.#oaklandathletics #oaklandas #oaklandbaseball #blackbaseball #blackbaseballplayers6d

This episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape is special. For the first time, I (Cheats) did the podcast on location at the Diamond, the home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, in Richmond, Virginia. Our featured guest is Dylan Smith, right-handed pitcher; Erie Seawolves. Dylan is the #15 prospect in the Tigers organization. He played his college ball in the SEC at the University of Alabama. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2021 draft. Our conversation runs the gambit. We talked about his all-minority travel team (the Monarchs) that helped him fall in love with baseball, some of the challenges he faced in college, and working to improve his skills every day at the pro level. We also discuss his favorite players, music artists, MLB the Show, and who he would like to face in a dream match-up (spoiler: It's Mookie Betts). You don't want to miss this conversation. Please take a moment to subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, rate, and review the show. BBM is the fastest-growing Black baseball podcast in the game. Your support is wanted, needed, and appreciated.

It's an exciting time for baseball fans. Opening Day rosters are out! With that, we can start to get an estimate as to where Black American players stand in the game. The unofficial count is approximately 43 Black American players on opening day rosters. That is only 3.6%. That number represents a drop. There are slightly more Black players in the NL (24) than AL (19). Most Black positions players are starters. Eight teams have 0 Black American players on their active opening-day roster. There are two teams with four Black American players, that is the most (Pirates & Nationals). Again, this is an unofficial count of just opening-day rosters. These numbers will change as players come off the IL and minor-leaguers get called to MLB. As you can see, there is a lot to be excited about, but more work is needed to ensure Black American players are represented in MLB.

Steve Friend had a dream of making it to the major leagues. He worked hard through high school, went the JUCO route, landed at a D1 program, and ultimately made it to pro baseball. But all of his hard work and talent did not get him to the major leagues; as a player. Steve made it to MLB as an entrepreneur through his company Steelo. Sports. When a Steelo glove broke into the majors, Steelo became the first Black-owned glove company ever worn in MLB. (Steelo was also the first Black-owned glove worn in the Olympics.) Steelo. is the dopest movement in baseball. That makes Steve Friend the dopest CEO in the game. Steelo blends baseball with hip-hop culture like no other brand in the world. With a background in baseball, design, fashion, and creativity, Steve works from a lens rarely seen in America's pastime. He understands that the Black community is often left out of the game and underrepresented, not just on the field but in every aspect of the game. Steelo is setting out to change that. They offer the highest-quality gloves, bats, and other equipment. They work with players, like Cincinnati Reds' pitcher Hunter Greene, to design products used by top MLB talent and offered to others worldwide. Steelo. Is just getting started. On this Mixtape Talk episode, Steve and Cheats (BBM) talk about all things Steelo, culture, and baseball. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast, YouTube, and Twitter. Please rate and review this episode and the show.

Former MLB 3X all-star Curtis Granderson may be the busiest man in baseball. He is the Board Chairman of the Players Alliance, a TBS analyst, a founder of his non-profit (Grand Kids), a business investor, and the list goes on and on. All the while, he has maintained his reputation of being one of baseball's most excellent ambassadors, a reputation built on four Marvin Miller Man of the Year awards and a Roberto Clemente Man of the Year award, all for community contributions. Curtis played for 16 seasons in MLB: for seven teams. He has seen it all in the game of baseball. Curtis joined the Mixtape podcast to discuss the World Baseball Classic, the state of Black baseball, his work with the Players Alliance, and even his dream match-up against Nolan Ryan. You don't want to miss this Dream Guest episode.

On this episode of the BBM podcast, Cheats welcomes Bob Kendricks, the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and one of baseball's most excellent ambassadors and storytellers. President Kendrick has led the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to groundbreaking accomplishments since he assumed the role in 2011, including overseeing the centennial celebration of the Negro Leagues, the overdue integration of Negro League statistics within Major League Baseball, and, most recently, collaborations with MLB on the "Undeniable" animated series, and PlayStation to include Negro Leagues players (and stories) into the popular video game MLB the Show 2023. Visiting with President Kendrick was a dream for the BBM podcast. Mr. Kendrick hosts the Black Diamonds podcast (the #1 podcast in the country dedicated to Black Baseball). Needless to say, he is extremely busy. We at BBM are genuinely honored that he took this time with us. Enjoy this fantastic conversation. Please share it with your baseball friends and subscribe to the podcast for more.

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats and Flobito put a bow on the final episode of New Wave: Baseball's Next Generation with a special guest from the series: Ronnie Burton Jr. Cheats, Flobito, and Ronnie, talk about the two-part docuseries as a whole product. They break down the production of the series and the featured players' emotions. Ronnie is a former MLB executive who once helped organize the MLB draft. He is also a former college baseball player and coach. His insight into the emotions of the draft is second to none. Cheats and Flo dissect the series from an entertainment standpoint, discussing the story arc of their favorite players, the tension, conflicts, and classic reality TV drama. You don't want to miss this final New Wave: Baseball's Next Generation recap.

Tony Reagins is an extraordinary man. He is a member of one of the most exclusive clubs in baseball. He was a Black General Manager, one of only five ever. Mr. Reagins was the fourth Black person to serve as GM when he took over the Angels in 2007. He currently holds two significant roles within MLB: Chief Baseball Development Officer and General Manager of Team USA. Mr. Reagins is a dream conversation. In our nearly hour-long conversation, we talk about MLB's efforts to increase diversity in baseball. We discuss his journey from intern to GM and what younger front office staffers should consider when seeking to be a GM in the future. With only a few days to the start of the World Baseball Classic, we talk about his role in leading Team USA: everything from hiring the coaching staff to personally calling Mike Trout. You will want to listen to this fantastic conversation more than once. Mr. Reagins drops gem after gem in this episode. It's one of our favorite conversations of the early year. Please subscribe, rate, review, and share the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Your support means everything to our efforts.

New Wave: Baseball's Next Generation is a two-part docuseries that follows the journey of Termarr Johnson, Jayson Jones, RJ Austin, and Justin Crawford: top Black baseball prospects in the 2022 MLB draft. The BBM recap show is hosted by BBM founder Cheats and Knew Amsterdam Radio's own Flobito. These two baseball & culture heads breakdown episode one from a culture, TV, and baseball perspective. @Blackbaseballmixtape (IG)@BBallMixtpae (Twitter) Black Baseball Mixtape (YouTube)

College baseball kicked off this weekend. Here are a few players the Mixtape suggests you check out:TJ McCants, RF, Ole MissEnrique Bradfield, CF, VandyDrew Bowser, 2B, Stanford Braden Montgomery, RF, Stanford Christian Little, P, LSUJuaron Watt-Brown, P, Oklahoma State

Let me be clear; Minority Baseball Prospects is changing the landscape for Black baseball. In just a few years, MBP is disrupting the standard, predominantly white ecosystem of youth, travel, and college baseball to bring exposure to some of the best minority players in the country. MBP's mission statement reads as follows: Minority Baseball Prospects' mission is to promote the game of baseball worldwide by hosting the highest quality events for minority baseball prospects while providing meaningful opportunities and information to minority players, families, MLB organizations, college coaches, and fans. Of course, that sounds amazing. But who runs this operation? Where did this fantastic (and much-needed) vision come from? The answer is Atlanta-based coach Alex Wyche. And he is our guest on the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Coach Wyche is the founder and CEO of MBP. After a successful high school and college playing career, he moved right into coaching in the Atlanta area. Before starting MBP, Wyche led the historic power Redan High School for six years. Wyche has coached countless collegiate signees and several pro players. There is no better person to run an organization designed to teach and expose Black baseball players worldwide. You should find this episode entertaining and educational. Please continue to support and share the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Follow and support Minority Baseball Prospects. @MBPTakeover You and find BBM on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. @BlackbaseballMixtape

I rarely get the opportunity to feature Black professional players from my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, so I could not pass up the extraordinary chance to have Kyle Battle on the Mixtape. Kyle is a prospect in the Yankees organization. He signed with the Yankees in 2021 as an undrafted free agent following a stellar career at Old Dominion University. Last season, Kyle played for the Tampa Tarpons (A) and the Hudson Valley Renegades (High A). Kyle is a fantastic young man on and off the field. On this Mixtape episode, we talked about his unique journey to professional baseball, his great support system, and his goals of giving back to the game during and after his playing days. Like many pro players, Kyle enjoys pro baseball's diversity and international flair. He loves learning about his teammates and being able to play baseball for a living. We'd be rooting for Kyle even if he wasn't from Richmond, VA, but it's an added bonus that he is. VA STAND UP - TWO UP - TWO DOWN.

Detroit Tigers prospect Justyn-Henry Malloy is the latest fantastic guest on the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast.On this episode, JHen talks about his baseball journey, his amazing support system, navigating the challenge of being an elite Black player at the high school level, transferring schools in college, entering the draft, and much more.Justyn-Henry had an excellent 2022 in the Braves organization. He went from High A to AAA in one season. This offseason, he was traded to the Tigers and listed as the #7 prospect in the Tigers organization.He is heading to his first major league Spring Training in a few weeks!You will find Justyn-Henry to be a cool, confident, well-rounded young man. He is hungry and humble, and earnest about being the best baseball player he can be. I am confident once you hear this podcast, you will be a JHen fan, like me.Side note: The BBM podcast has broken into the top 100 baseball podcasts on the Apple charts. Your support of this project/podcast has been amazing! Please continue to support the Black Baseball Mixtape by subscribing to the podcast and rating the show (5 stars, please).

You've heard the expression "wise beyond your years." That is the feeling I got speaking with Orioles fundamentals coach Troy Marrow. Coach Marrow has seen a lot in baseball and is just getting started. Before joining the O's staff, Marrow played his college ball at North Carolina Central University. He did a coaching stint with USA Baseball, George Washington University and ultimately was accepted into the first-ever MLB Diversity Fellowship. A job that placed him away from the field and in the front office for the San Franciso Giants. Marrow returned to the field last year after some time away from the game. On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats visits with Coach Marrow, and they discuss his storybook journey, his role as fundamentals coach, how he views the game, and what it's like to be a Black man placed in all of these unique, exciting, and sometimes isolating roles. Coach Marrow has a passion for the game that is contagious. He thrives on competition and, one day, wants to be a manager at the highest level. Given all that he's been through, I wouldn't bet against him. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape everywhere podcasts are available. You can watch this episode and all of these episodes on the Black Baseball Mixtape YouTube page. Please rate us and review us. Thanks.

Another 2023 Dream Guest is joining us on the Black Baseball Mixtape. Edwin Jackson could be "the most interesting man in baseball." He is a 20-year pro, MLB All-Star, World Series Champion, and Team USA Silver Medalist. He has thrown a no-hitter. He played for an MLB-leading 14 teams. And, he is a founding Board member of the Players Alliance. On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats talks with Edwin about his work with the Players Alliance, his storybook career, and the current state of Black baseball. The Players Alliance is focused on correcting inequities within baseball at every level. Edwin believes direct action in underserved communities is crucial to this work. The Players Alliance is also working to eliminate the barriers that cause many Black players to be overlooked and ultimately underrepresented in our game. This episode also covers some legendary players Edwin teamed with throughout his career. We touch on how he utilized his support system during challenging times. And, how he is adjusting to retirement. This is a fantastic episode, loaded with gems and insight. You don't want to miss it. Please follow and subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG: @Blackbaseballmixtape. Subscribe to the Players Alliance @playersalliance and Edwin at @Ejack36.

D'Andre Smith, 21, has dreamed of playing pro ball since he was in middle school. He did the weight training, the skill work, the private workouts; he played high school ball, then travel ball, and flirted with going pro before he committed to USC. Following his sophomore season at USC, it was time to make the move. He entered the 2022 draft and was selected by the Mets in the 5th round. D'Andre is now adjusting to pro ball. He has a consistent routine that he vigorously pursues every day. But now, instead of working out around his college teammates and peers his age, he is working out beside fellow pro players, some at the highest level of the game. On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, we spend time getting to know D'Andre; and all he hopes to accomplish in the game. He is a genuine, humble, well-rounded person. It's impossible not to like him, and root for his success. Thank you for checking out the podcast. Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. You can follow D'Andre on Twitter at @DAndreSmith04 and on IG at @DAndreSmith

Del Matthews is MLB's Vice President of Baseball Development. I know that sounds awesome, but what does that really mean? It means he is one of the few people working at MLB HQ dedicated to ushering in a new generation of Black American players. Through his role at the MLB Development office, he assists programs like the DREAM Series, the Hank Aaron Invitational, and the recently announced Swingman Classic. These programs (and several more) provide elite Black amateurs a taste of pro baseball. Del, a former pro player, moved to the executive side in 2004. He grinned as an intern for the Cubs, worked for the Arizona Fall League, and ultimately landed in the front office of the Chicago White Sox for six years. He then moved to MLB HQ in 2016. Del understands what it takes to succeed on the field and in the front office. His path is not for the faint of heart, but it emphasizes what is possible if you identify a goal and remain committed to achieving success. You don't want to miss this podcast. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast everywhere podcasts are available. Rate us and Review us (with 5 stars). And please share the podcast and platform. Thank you for your tremendous support. Please follow BBM on Twitter @BBallMixtape and IG: @BlackBaseballMixtape

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats is joined by Dodgers organization outfielder Bubba Alleyne. Bubba was drafted in the 19th round of the 2022 draft after completing a historic career at the University of Maryland. His career highlights include Big Ten Player of the Year, 2022 Golden Spikes Semifinalist, 2022 Collegiate Baseball First Team All-American, 2022 Baseball America First Team All-American, 2022 NCBWA First Team All-American, 2022 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. I All-Region East Team, 2022 First Team All-Big Ten, 2022 D1Baseball Second Team All-American, and 2022 NCAA College Park Regional All-Tournament Team. He finished his Maryland career second in home runs, extra-base hits and runs scored. I could go on, but I'll stop there. Even with his on-field success, Bubba still has much to prove. It was not always easy at the University of Maryland. He used his competitiveness, self-confidence, and support system to endure some tough times at College Park. He keeps those principles today as he works to move up the ranks of pro baseball. This conversation has a little bit of everything. The highs and lows of pro ball, and, of course, we talk about race and the challenges he faces as a Black player in 2023. Lock in with us. Please rate and review the Black Baseball Mixtape: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-black-baseball-mixtape/id1654357631Note: Bubba is a very busy man. He did this podcast over his phone. Please forgive the sound quality. Please follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG: @BlackBaseballMixtape and Twitter: @BBallMixtape

Coach Bianca Smith is our esteemed guest for Mixtape Talk 016. She also happens to be the second person on our 2023 Podcast Dream Guest List to join the Mixtape. Coach Smith made history in 2021 when she was hired as a coach by the Boston Red Sox organization. The hire made her the first Black woman ever to serve as a professional baseball coach. While Coach Smith may have burst on many people's radars with her historic hire, she has a journey made for Hollywood. She played softball and club baseball at Dartmouth. She earned two post-graduate degrees (one in law), interned in MLB front offices, and served as a volunteer coach at the college level. She applied for job after job after job, rarely hearing back from D1 programs and pro clubs. She worked seven paying jobs simultaneously, along with a volunteer coaching position. She earned her stripes to make history. Our free-flowing conversation is fun and authentic. We touch on Coach Smith's coaching style and philosophy, analytics versus the eye test, and how players respond to her instruction. We also discuss how life has changed for her since her hire. It's a fantastic talk. Coach Smith is genuine, passionate, extremely knowledgeable, and even a bit funny; in her own way. It was indeed an honor to have her on the Mixtape. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Please subscribe, share, and rate the Black Baseball Mixtape. We really need your support to expand the mission. Best,Cheats @BlackBaseballMixtape - IG - @BBallMixtape (Twitter)

Black Baseball Mixtape Friends, Welcome to 2023! I'm so glad you found us. This year will be filled with dynamic podcast guests and fun Black baseball banter. Last year, I created a Dream List of guests for 2023, and I hope to deliver as many as possible throughout the year. My first guest in 2023 is Bruce Maxwell, starting catcher for the Cañeros de Los Mochis. Bruce is in his 11th season of pro ball. He has played all over the world (the US, Mexico, Germany, etc.). In 2017, while playing for the Oakland A's, Bruce was the first (and only) MLB player to take a knee during the national anthem for social justice. Maxwell's actions came in response to President Donald Trump's comments that professional football franchise owners should fire players who knelt during the anthem. He remained the only MLB player to protest by kneeling until 2020, when the league allowed for "Black Lives Matter" patches and organized league-wide kneeling for social justice in the aftermath of the nationwide protests of the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. In this first part of our two-part interview, Cheats (Black Baseball Mixtape) talked to Bruce about making a professional home in Mexico and how he has adjusted personally and professionally since 2017. Maxwell has been open and authentic about his journey, the good and bad. His friends and support system has changed since 2017, but he has found joy in the game, and peace within himself. Bruce Maxwell was right. He took a stand when others did not. He has suffered penalties that most of us don't fully understand. I am honored to have him as my first guest of the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast in 2023. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape everywhere podcasts are available. Rate and review the podcast on Apple and Spotify. Your support is critical. @BlackBaseballMixtape (IG)@BBallMixtape (Twitter)

Happy Holidays BBM Family! On this episode of Mixtape Talk, Cheats is joined by Tyrone Brooks of the MLB Diversity Pipeline Program. Tyrone's principle job is to help diversify the game at the front office level. Tyrone has amassed a stellar executive career with the Braves, Guardians, and Pirates.In 2016, he was hired in his current role with MLB and, since then, has helped hundreds of women and people of color enter careers in baseball. For many years, Tyrone has been passionate about helping people enter the game. He started the Baseball Industry Network, which and now grown to very 40K members (on LinkedIn). In our conversation, we talk about the challenges of his job. The perception versus reality of diversity in baseball and that MLB is doing to make people aware of career opportunities within the game. Tyrone has a love of baseball that started when he was five years old, and his passion continues today. His job is challenging and demanding. The travel is immense. Yet, he loves the opportunity it creates for the next generation. He is a true leader and trailblazer. Please follow Tyrone Brooks at @TBrooksBIN on Twitter and @TyBrooks412 on IG.Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast everywhere Podcasts are available. @BBallMixtape @BlackBaseballMixtape

What's up, Family! We have a special episode for you: a first in BBM history. Samad Taylor is the #25 prospect in the Royals system. He was recently named on the Royals' 40-man roster, making him the first-ever MLB player to do a Mixtape Talk. (That's right, we're on the rise). I could not have a better first MLB player than Samad. This man has been through so much, from being drafted at 17 to maturing as a man and a player, to sitting out a COVID year, and now being named to the 40-man. His early journey is remarkable. On this episode, Samad talks about the challenges of being drafted so young and how he's navigated pro baseball. He talks about being a Black player in a sport where there are not a lot of Black players at the pro level. And he talks about what can be done to get young Black kids excited about the game. We have a lot of fun with this conversation. Samad is a genuine leader. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast everywhere podcasts are available. You can follow BBM on Twitter at @BBallMixtape and @BlackBaseballMixtape on IG. And follow Samad at lil.bill5 on IG. Thank you for your support. The Black Baseball Mixtape is on its way to 1K IG followers.