MLB has been in the sports social moshpit lately for its decision to acknowledge the Negroe Leagues as equal to Major League baseball in an attempt to right the wrongs of segregation and bigotry that kept Black baseball players from participating in the Major Leagues.
The gesture came under some criticism, but at the end of the day, it’s MLB supporting and verifying the validity of Black baseball excellence and acknowledging the ills of the past as we hopefully push forward with baseball once again entrenched as a vehicle for social change.
Reaching out across gender lines is something that MLB has done with various programs since former Angels GM, Tony Reagins, took over as MLB’s Chief Baseball Development Officer
In the past few days, Major League Baseball’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion hosted its annual “Unfiltered Series” featuring conversations with MLB Chief Baseball Development Officer, and former Los Angeles Angels General Manager, Tony Reagins, as well as leadership from The Players Alliance, including Black Knights Curtis Granderson, Chris Dickerson and Chris Young.
RT MLB: RT @MLB_PR: The first of two sessions of the "Unfiltered Series" launches today on https://t.co/aBIAyTj188 at Noon ET, featuring Tony Reagins and his journey from @Angels intern to GM and his current role as MLB Chief Baseball Development Office… pic.twitter.com/MHB94Bcxkx
— Sports Cards Austin (@sportsjp) December 20, 2020
The panel series, which is typically held during Baseball’s Winter Meetings to provide attendees with an opportunity to hear perspectives from figures throughout the sport on issues related to diversity.
GM Chronicles with Tony Reagins: Reagins, who is currently the Chief Baseball Development Officer for Major League Baseball and serves on Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred’s executive leadership team, discusses his journey from growing up in Indio, Calif., his rise from a seasonal intern with the Angels to the General Manager of the Club, and to his current role at the Commissioner’s Office.
ESPN Baseball Analyst Eduardo Pérez will guide Reagins through a conversation that will touch on his mentors along the way, insightful anecdotes, and efforts led by his department at MLB to help grow the future of the sport. Historically, the GM Chronicles session at the Winter Meetings have featured minority GM’s Kenny Williams (White Sox), Al Avila (Tigers) and Farhan Zaidi (Giants).
A Conversation with The Players Alliance: Curtis Granderson, President of The Players Alliance (TPA) was joined by former Major Leaguers and members of TPA’s Player Committee Chris Dickerson and Chris Young in a conversation alongside MLB’s Chief People & Culture Officer Michele Meyer-Shipp.
READ MORE: MLB, MLBPA Commit $10 Million To Players Alliance To Diversify Game From Grass Roots To Front Office
The panel was moderated by MLB Network Analyst Harold Reynolds and dove into a variety of topics, including TPA’s mission, goals and current “Pull Up Neighbor” Tour.
Out at Pearl Cohn today covering The Players Alliance “Pull Up Neighbor” event.
Nashville native and MLB All-Star @mookiebetts along with Tullahoma native and @Mariners pitcher @Topsheff42 will be out here today passing out resources to those in need. pic.twitter.com/DEDjyE85tp
— Joe Spears🏈🏀 (@joe_spears7) December 19, 2020
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The conversation also focused on the significant issues related to diversity at all levels of the sport and how this past year has inspired the future actions of The Players Alliance and MLB.
