As we mark the beginning of Black History Month (and, yes, it is still Black History Month), it is worth assessing how every MLB team acknowledges the journey of African Americans in the game and how the influence of Black trailblazers, players, employees, and fans have made a lasting impact on their organizations. I was also intrigued to discover which teams dare to embrace Black History Month on their most popular social media platform in this changing climate.
For this exercise, I selected X (formerly known as Twitter) and tweets posted on February 1, 2025 (though this tracker will be updated throughout February). I chose X because it is the most active social media platform for MLB clubs to communicate directly with their fans and the greater baseball press corps.
It did not take long to recognize a theme. Most clubs posted something on February 1st to acknowledge the start of the month-long celebration, which became nationally recognized in 1976 under President Gerald Ford. However, not all tweets are created equal, and these social media posts vary. For the purpose of this column, I separated each team’s post into four categories:
- Gold Star: Gold Stars are for the MLB clubs that went beyond the customary post. These teams attempted to honor past and current Black players, coaches, employees, fans, and the collective community of their locality. The Atlanta Braves are one team that meets the Gold Star category.
Coach Marvin Freeman, a well-known mentor for countless Black players in the Atlanta region, is one of the leaders the Braves will honor this Black History Month in a series of educational tweets posted every Tuesday. “I’m glad the Braves are recognizing our efforts to make a difference in the Black baseball community with our ACTIONS. I’m glad they HEAR US and SEE US too,” said Coach Freeman.
- Well Done: This prudent and attentive graphic shows the club cares about the importance of Black contributions, past and present.
- Bare Minimum: A post showing a random graphic that checked the box.
- Nothing: Self-explanatory. Red Sox…I’m looking at you.
Here is the list. Please share it accordingly and send me any updates I may have missed via X, IG (@BlackBaseballMixtape).
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS:
The history between Arizona and Black people is not overly positive or optimistic. Arizona was the last state to recognize the Martin Luther King Day holiday in 1993, and it is still an issue. Trust me, Black people don’t forget. The Diamondbacks post and graphic are minimal and generic, but as you will see in this column, something is better than nothing.
Notable Black players in the organization: Alex Thomas, Jordan Lawler, Josh Naylor, Drew Jones (prospect), and Gino Groover (prospect)
Category: Bare Minimum.
ATHLETICS (SACRAMENTO, LAS VEGAS, DEFINITELY NOT OAKLAND):
It’s a nice touch from the Athletics honoring the memory of Rickey Henderson with their Black History Month tribute. The Hall of Famer passed away on December 20, 2024, and his memorial was held on February 1 to start Black History Month.
Notable Black players in the organization: Lawrence Butler, Denzel Clarke (prospect)
Category: Well Done.
ATLANTA BRAVES:
The Braves took a more personal approach with their Black History Month celebration. Every Tuesday during February, the Braves will unpack the stories of our baseball legends who’ve inspired African American communities for generations. Shout out to the Braves for such a thoughtful tribute.
Notable Black players in the organization: Michael Harris, Drake Baldwin
Category: Gold Star.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES:
This is a nice tribute for the O’s honoring past and present Black players. The graphic included Hall of Famers Frank Robinson, Eddie Murray, and current star Cedric Mullins.
Notable Black players in the organization: Cedric Mullins, Daz Cameron, Nick Gordon, Jordyn Adams, Enrique Bradfield Jr. (prospect)
Category: Well Done.
BOSTON RED SOX:
There was no post on February 1 acknowledging Black History Month from the Red Sox. Are you surprised? Is Boston even trying to shake their reputation?
Notable Black players in the organization: David Hamilton, Antonio Anderson (prospect), Kristian Campbell (prospect)
Category: Nothing.
CHICAGO CUBS:
The Cubs post included an excellent thread (multiple posts) on the history of Black players within the organization. The thread consists of Sam Jones, Negro Leagues at Wrigley Field, Jackie Robinson, Derek Lee and more.
Notable Black players in the organization: WHAAAAA…The Cubes do not have any Black players on the MLB roster, and their prospect list is pretty bare, too.
Category: Well Done.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX:
The White Sox took the – Don’t talk about it…be about it – approach to Black History Month. Honestly, this could have been overlooked if you’re not paying close attention. On February 1, the Sox posted an elaborate video highlighting 2025 Hall of Famer Dick Allen. If this is their theme throughout Black History Month, the White Sox will have done something special.
Notable Black players in the organization: Corey Julks, Braden Montgomery (prospect)
Category: Gold Star if this is a theme throughout the month. Well Done if this is a one-and-done.
CINCINNATI REDS:
The Reds posted a collection of some of their most iconic Black players, featuring five Hall of Famers. They have a tremendous history with Black players, both past and present. Not many MLB clubs can post a graphic with this many Black legends.
Notable Black players in the organization: Hunter Greene, Will Benson, Rece Hinds, Cam Collier (prospect)
Category: Well Done.
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS:
The Guardians have a fantastic history with Black players. Hall of Famers Larry Doby and Satchel Paige were the first Black players to win the World Series (1948). Mr. Doby was the second Black player to break the color barrier a few months after Jackie Robinson. The Guardians began their Black History Month celebration honoring the 1945 Negro League World Series champion Cleveland Buckeyes.
Notable Black players in the organization: Tristian McKenzie, Khalil Watson (prospect)
Category: Well Done.
COLORADO ROCKIES:
The Rockies posted on X that they will join MLB in celebrating Black baseball trailblazers all month. It’s the minimum, but let’s be honest: there is no significant history of Black players in Colorado. Is there? I remember Ellis Burks, Marvin Freeman, and Dexter Fowler playing in Colorado, but the history is not extensive.
Notable Black players in the organization: Jaden Hill, Greg Jones
Category: Bare Minimum.
DETROIT TIGERS:
The Tigers will celebrate Black History Month by recognizing past recipients of the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award: Larry Henderson, Chet Lemon, Cecil Fielder, and Curtis Granderson. The Willie Horton Legacy Award was created in 2009 to honor African Americans who have strengthened baseball’s legacy in the African American community and contributed to the Detroit Tigers’ rich history.
Notable Black players in the organization: Justyn-Henry Malloy,
Category: Gold Star
HOUSTON ASTROS:
The Astros’ Dana Brown is the only Black GM in MLB. Before Manager Dusty Baker retired, he and Brown were only the second Black GM and Manager combination in baseball history. Baker is one of three Black managers to win the World Series, joining Cito Gaston and Dave Roberts.
Notable Black players in the organization: Jon Singleton, Taylor Trammell, Brice Matthews
Category: Well Done.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS:
The Kansas City has the privilege of being home to the Negro League Museum. For the fourth year in a row, the Royals are offering free admission to the museum for February. Due to this partnership, the Negro League Museum hosted over 16,000 people last February and hopes welcome even more in 2025. As much as I love the beautiful graphics, services are more valuable than words. Providing free admission to the Negro League Museum is a tremendous service. Well done, Royals.
“We are ecstatic that the Kansas City Royals and The Royals Foundation are once again opening the doors of the museum free of charge for the entire month of February,” said Bob Kendrick, NLBM President. “The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a valuable educational resource. This impactful community outreach provides greater access to the museum, allowing students and others to learn about a once-forgotten chapter of baseball and American history and be inspired by the courageous athletes who overcame tremendous social adversity to “play ball.”
Notable Black players in the organization: WHAAAA….No MLB players. Two of KC’s top Black prospects are Austin Charles and Tyler Tolbert.
Category: Gold Star.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS:
Manager Ron Washington is a Black baseball staple and one of the most respected Black people in the game. The Angels have a sneaky good history with Black players: Rod Carew, Dave Winfield, Reggie Jackson, Chili Davis, Torii Hunter, and Garret Anderson, to name a few. They also have had the distinction of being one of only a few MLB franchises to hire a Black General Manager, Tony Reagins. Their graphic is a beautiful nod to the old and new.
Notable Black players in the organization: Jo Adell, Kyren Paris, Chuckie Robinson
Category: Well Done.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS:
The 2024 World Series Champions posted a reasonably generic graphic to honor BHM, but with all that is going on with the wildfires in Los Angeles, grace is deserved. We are praying for all those impacted. The Dodgers have an incredible history with Black players dating back to Jackie’s historic integration in 1947 to one of the best Black players today: Mookie Betts.
Notable Black players in the organization: Mookie Betts, Kendall George (prospect), Zyhir Hope (prospect).
Category: Bare Minimum.
MIAMI MARLINS:
Like most things in Miami, the Marlins put a subtle Latin flair to their Black History Month post. If you know…you know.
Notable Black players in the organization: Xzavion Curry, Xavier Edwards, Dane Myers, Derek Hill, Ian Lewis (prospect), Dillon Head (prospect)
Category: Slightly Better than Bare Minimum.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS:
The Brewers celebrate Black History Month by highlighting Black-owned businesses in the greater MKE areas. Salute to the Brewers. This is a great way to use a powerful platform for good during BHM.
“Every year, we look to celebrate and honor Black History Month and our community in different ways. This year, we chose to highlight black-owned businesses that impact our community. We are proud to help tell their stories,” said Leslie Stachowiak, Senior Director for Strategic Communications.
Notable Black players in the organization: Blake Perkins, Grant Anderson
Category: Gold Star.
MINNESOTA TWINS:
The Twins shared ways to support Black History Month in greater Minnesota, pointing out some art and museum exhibits. The post graphic is a bit lackluster, but this is one of the best ways to use a robust platform during Black History Month.
Notable Black players in the organization: Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, DaShawn Keirsey Jr., Austin Martin, Simon Richards-Wood
Category: Better than Well Done, not quite Gold Star.
NEW YORK METS:
The Mets have more significant issues right now, like signing Pete Alonso. However, I am disappointed. As of right now, they have not posted about Black History Month.
Update 2.4.205: The Mets posted a beautiful video about how Black players have contributed to their Amazin’ moments. It’s extremely well done and moves the Mets into the Gold Star category. They also noted that the Mets will celebrate Black History Month in February.
Notable Black players in the organization: Tyrone Taylor
Category: Gold Star.
NEW YORK YANKEES:
The Yankees indicated they will highlight Black players’ achievements and enduring legacies throughout February. The Yankees led MLB with the most Black players on their rosters for most of the 2024 season.
Notable Black players in the organization: Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Marcus Stroman (for now), Devin Williams, Trent Grisham, Jazz Chisolm
Category: Bare Minimum (for now).
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES:
In honor of Black History Month, the Phillies referenced their Pioneers in Pinstripes exhibit. The pioneering Black players helped integrate the franchise. There is an exhibit honoring them in Citizens Bank Park. From John Kennedy, the first Black player to play for the Philadelphia Phillies, debuting on April 22, 1957, to 2025 Hall of Famer Dick Allen and fan favorites like Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard.
Notable Black players in the organization: Taijuan Walker, Devin Sweet, Joe Ross
Category: Gold Star
PITTSBURGH PIRATES:
The Pirates will honor their Black legends throughout the month. Their first Black History Month post features 2025 Hall of Famer Dave Parker, AKA The Cobra.
Notable Black players in the organization: Ke’Bryan Hayes, Joshua Palacious, Andrew McCutchen
Category: Well Done.
SAN DIEGO PADRES:
The Padres posted a beautiful graphic celebrating Black players, employees, and fans. The unsung hero at the top of the graphic is Johnny Ritchey, the first Black player to play for the Padres in 1948. At that time, the Padres were not in MLB. They played in the Pacific Coast League. FYI: Dave Winfield may hold the record for most appearances on MLB’s BHM post.
Notable Black players in the organization: WHAAAAA…no Black players on their MLB Roster. Their prospects include Isiah Lowe, Kavares Tears, and Lamar King Jr.
Category: Well Done.
SAN FRANCISO GIANTS:
The Giants posted a minimalist design. Their extensive history with Black players, employees and fans deserved more. This approach is underwhelming.
Notable Black players in the organization: LeMonte Wade Jr., Jordan Hicks, Spencer Bivens, Grant McCray, Reggie Crawford (prospect).
Category: Bare Minimum
SEATTLE MARINERS:
The Mariners posted a beautiful graphic. It is particularly noteworthy that their graphic features Black fans, which is rare. It also highlights Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and current Mariners star JP Crawford.
Notable Black players in the organization: J.P. Crawford, Ryan Bliss, Harry Ford (prospect), Tai Peete (prospect)
Category: Well Done.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS:
Given the Cardinals’ history with players like Bob, Gibson, Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, Lou Brock, and Curt Floyd, the Cards could have done more, but their graphic is beautiful.
Notable Black players in the organization: Maysn Winn, Jordan Walker, Victor Scott II, Tink Hence
Category: Bare Minimum.
TAMPA BAY RAYS:
Posted on February 3: The Rays honor Black History Month by opening applications for their Jackie Robinson Grants. Since 2020, the Jackie Robinson grants have aided organizations that reflect Jackie’s values: courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment & excellence.
Notable Black players in the organization: Taj Bradley, Richie Palacios, Xavier Isaac (prospect), Chandler Simpson (prospect), Tre Morgan (prospect), Keyshawn Askew (prospect), Homer Bush Jr. (prospect)
Category: Better than Well Done, but not Gold Star.
TEXAS RANGERS:
The Rangers posted a beautiful graphic honoring the past and the present. It blends Ron Washington, Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins with current Rangers Marcus Semien, Kumar Rocker, and Coach Tony Beasley.
Notable Black players in the organization: Marcus Semien, Marc Church, Kumar Rocker, Sebastian Walcott (prospect)
Category: Well Done.
Posted February 3:
TORONTO BLUE JAYS:
There is no post from the Blue Jays about Black History Month. But that does present the question: Do they celebrate Black History Month in Canada? Should the Blue Jays, a Canadian-based team, need to acknowledge BHM? Clearly, their answer is no (lol). They did retweet another Black History Month post.
Notable Black players in the organization: George Springer, Juaron Watts-Brown (prospect), Dasan Brown (prospect)
Category: Nothing
WASHINGTON NATIONALS:
It’s appropriate that we finish with the Washington Nationals. A beautiful graphic merging the history of the Negro League with current Nats stars Josiah Gray, CJ Abrams, and James Wood. The Nats have eight Black-American players on their roster heading into 2025.
Notable Black players in the organization: Josiah Gray, CJ Abrams, Trey Lipscomb, James Wood, Darren Baker, Nasim Nunez, Stone Garrett, and Josh Bell.
Category: Well Done.
If you’re keeping score:
Gold Stars: Braves, Brewers, Phillies, Royals, White Sox, Tigers, Mets (7).
Well Done: Rays, Cubs, Twins, Athletics, Rangers, Reds, Nats, Mariners, Guardians, Astros, Angels, Pirates, Padres, O’s (14).
Bare Minimum: DBacks, Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, Marlins, Yankees, Cardinals (7).
Nothing: Red Sox, Blue Jays (2).
