The Black Baseball Mixtape

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.

On this episode of Mixtape Talk, Cheats is joined by Mike Sanders of Roc Nation Sports.Mike is a former University of Miami baller who transitioned to player advocacy and representation after his playing days ended.Mike’s success is rooted in presenting his authentic self in every situation. Being true to who he is has allowed him to connect, understand and mentor young athletes as they start their journey in professional sports.He has worked with some of baseball’s most captivating stars through Roc Nation: players like Jazz Chisholm (1st team all-BBM swag) and newly signed Marcus Stroman. He also has some of the game’s brightest up-and-coming prospects under the Roc umbrella: 2022 #4 overall pick Temarr Johnson and 2020 2nd round pick Masyn Winn.Mike mixes hip-hop culture with baseball in a contemporary but forward-looking way. People like Mike in the game will help make baseball more accessible for future generations of Black baseball players.Check out the conversation. You don’t want to miss it.Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on all social media and podcast platforms. And visit the blog at blackbaseballmixtape.com.

On this episode of Mixtape Talk, Cheats speaks with Jay Caldwell and Graig Kreindler, the creators of the new book, “Black Baseball in Living Color.” The 250-page book features nearly 240 of Graig’s color portraits he created while working with Jay on a centennial project for the Negro League Baseball Museum.The book explores the players and events that shaped Black baseball from the nineteenth century through the twenty-first century, presenting a look at Black baseball that you’ve never seen before. The book dedicates five of its twelve chapters to seminal figures Negro Leagues history: Rube Foster, Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson. Jay and four other SABR authors wrote those chapters. Some other chapters highlight other important aspects of Black baseball, like the Latin Winter Leagues, the dead ball era, and the years after Jackie’s integration.During the conversation, Jay and Graig discuss the book’s origins and how their work has captivated a vast audience. You don’t want to miss this light and fun conversation.Black Baseball in Living color can be pre-ordered right now at Baseballartll.com. The books will be shipped in December.Please follow Graig Kreindler everywhere on social media  @Graig Kreindler  And, of course, follow the Black Baseball Mixtape at @BBallMixtape.

Patrick Ellington has become one of my favorite baseball writers this season. His bylines appeared on MLB.com, Baseball Prospectus, SABR, and Baseball America. He also has a fantastic Medium blog that profiles Black baseball players in MLB and MiLB. Patrick and I discuss Dusty Baker's championship, Black prospects, and the current state of Black baseball. Please follow Patrick on Twitter at @Tangilble_UnoFollow the Black Baseball Mixtape on all social media platforms. Stay tuned for more Mixtape talks coming very soon.

On this edition of Mixtape Talk, Cheats visits with three-time Emmy award-winning director Randy Wilkins. Randy directed the seven-part ESPN miniseries The Captain, about the life and career of Yankees Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter.Randy is a fascinating person. A former baseball player himself from the Bronx. Had it not been for an injury, he might have been on the field instead of behind the camera.During the interview, Randy and Cheats discuss his love for the game, his Yankee fandom, and, of course, Derek Jeter. This is an interview you don’t want to miss.Please follow and subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on all social media. And please retweet and reshare this interview. Twitter: BBallMixtape IG: BlackBaseballMixtape

Coach Ethan Pollock is heading into his 19th season at Presbyterian College. He is the longest-tenured Black Head Coach in D1 baseball. On this episode of Mixtape Talk, I chat with Coach Pollock about his unusual journey into coaching. His passion for the game. And, what can be done to increase Black coaches in the college ranks. There are only five Black head coaches in D1 baseball outside of HBCUs (13 total). This interview completes all five. The Black Baseball Mixtape is honored to present these talks. Please watch all of them. Please subscribe to this podcast and follow the Mixtape on Twitter and IG.

On this episode of Mixtape Talk, Cheats chats with newly-minted Marist Head Coach Lance Ratchford. Coach Ratchford is returning to Poughkeepsie, NY, to lead a baseball program he once served as an assistant coach from 2016-2018. During that time, he helped guide the Red Foxes to the 2017 MAAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Regional.Coach Ratchford discusses a wide range of topics, including the process of being offered and accepting the head coaching job, his journey to becoming one of the youngest coachings in all of D1 baseball, his approach to completing his coaching staff, recruiting new players, and maintaining a solid roster of returning players.He also dives into the growing number of Black coaching in Division I collegiate baseball and what actions can be taken to improve diversity within the coaching ranks.This is another Mixtape Talk that you don’t want to miss.Please follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG and Twitter.

On this special edition of Mixtape Talk, Cheats is joined by award-winning author and journalist Howard Bryant about his latest book, Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original.The book is fascinating as Howard digs deep into topics like the great migration of Black from the American South to the west coast. He talks about the explosion of money in baseball during the late 70s and 80s; and the treatment of Black players, such as Rickey, by white owners, such as George Steinbrenner. Howard writes about it all. And by doing so, he paints a picture of one of the most dynamic, misunderstood, and legendary players the game has ever seen: Rickey Henderson.Buckle up…Mixtape Talk 007 featuring Howard Bryant is a doozy.As always, please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on social media.Reach out to me on Twitter and IG.Thank you for your fantastic support.

On this special edition of Mixtape Talk, I speak with Memphis University Head Coach Kerrick Jackson. Coach Jackson is one of the most respected coaches in the fraternity of Black skippers. He has coached at every collegiate level and spent time away from coaching, serving as an MLB scout, baseball agent (with the Boras Corporation), and the President of the MLB Draft League. In 2017, he led Southern University from 9 wins (2018) to the SWAC Championship and a birth in the NCAA tournament in 2019. In June 2022, at the time of his hire, Jackson became the 3rd Black coach selected to lead a PWI DI program and the first Black coach ever to lead the Memphis Tigers. As he says in the conversation, his selection was not only the right hire based on merit but also a statement appointment for the University and the community of Memphis. This conversation is insightful and fun. Please follow Memphis Baseball and the Black Baseball Mixtape.

On this special edition of Mixtape Talk, Cheats goes one-on-one with Head Coach Blake Beemer of Butler University. Coach Beemer is one of the youngest head coaches in all Division I baseball and one of only twelve Black head coaches in DI baseball. In this fantastic conversation, Coach Beemer talks about his journey through the college baseball coaching ranks, his grit and determination to create his path and the future of the Butler Baseball program. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on all social media platforms. Twitter @BBallMixtape IG: BlackBaseballMixtape

Regaining Big East Baseball Coach of the Year Edwin Thompson, AKA Coach T, took over the Georgetown baseball team in 2020. He has already led the program to a record number of wins in his second season (32). Coach T is one of the most respected coaches in all of college baseball, and, at an age far too young to be considered a legend (42) – he is, in fact, a legend among the Black coaching ranks. Of the 299 schools that will field baseball teams next season in the NCAA’s Division I, only 12 of them will have Black head coaches; none in Power 5 conferences. Coach T has spent the last few years looking into the challenge of diversity in college baseball and forming a path for young Black coaches to succeed. On this episode of Mixtape Talk, I (Cheats) go one-on-one with Coach T. It’s a diverse conversation about his background, mission, philosophy, and legacy. Enjoy.Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on social media. Twitter: @BballMixtapeIG: BlackBaseballMixtape

There is nothing better than talking baseball with two of the most knowledgeable brothers following the game. On this episode of Mixtape Talk, I (Cheats) chopped it up with Clinton Yates (ESPN/ANDSCAPE) & Alex Hyacinthe (ESPN Daily Podcast). We talked about the positive growth in the game. We discussed if the Black community needs certified stars to grow the game beyond the casual fan. What we would do if we were the Commissioner of baseball. What’s next for Aaron Judge. And what is getting us excited about the sport right now. There is no doubt — baseball is lit right now. We’re heading into the All-Star break, and anything can happen. Talking Black baseball with Clinton and Alex was a pure treat. I hope you enjoy our conversation.Follow the Black Baseball Mixtape blog and social media accounts.Twitter: @BBallMixape IG: BlackBaseballMixtape

I’m so excited to introduce you to Caleb Green. Caleb is one of nine members of the 2022 MLB Creator Class. The MLB Creator Class are brand ambassadors charged with creating fantastic content to help grow the game.Learn more about Caleb, the MLB Creative Class, and fun tidbits like who’d he like to pitch to in this BBM exclusive interview. Please follow Caleb at @Chayyy_luppp on IG and TiktokPlease follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG: BlackBaseballMixtape – Twitter: @Bballmixtape

RECORDED ON APRIL 11, 2022: On this episode, Cheats goes one-on-one with certified Major League Baseball agent Lonnie Murray. Ms. Murray is not your average baseball agent; she is the first Black woman ever to be certified by the MLBPA. And for many years, Lonnie was the only certified Black woman to serve as an agent in all major league baseball.Lonnie talks about her journey — her triumphs and challenges and what makes her exemplary in such a white male-dominated industry. She also shares her thoughts on the recent MLB lockout and what it will take to grow baseball in Black communities.You don’t want to miss this episode. Truth be told, you’ll want to share this episode with anyone interested in baseball, being a sports agent, or even a pioneering CEO. This episode has it all.Please follow the Cheats Movement Podcast on all social media. And follow The FAMILY podcast network (thefamilypn.com).Special thanks to the VPM/ICA community media center.

RECORDED ON JANUARY 10, 2022: I have a special guest on today’s episode: Former Professional Baseball Player Xavier Scruggs.X came across my radar because of his work in baseball media with ESPN and the MLB Network. He hosts an excellent podcast called “The Bigs” on MLB Network and is also very active on social media, posting and vlogging often. In addition to all of that, X is an entrepreneur. He started Xtraordinary Athletes, a business that helps athletes take their brand to the next level. And finally, is the diversity and equality consultant for the St. Louis Cardinals.