Shohei Ohtani Didn’t Become Great By Accident. Here’s How We Can Support African American Players in the Same Way
Baseball has deep roots in American history, and African Americans have been playing since the game’s inception in 1845. But despite this rich legacy, we’re witnessing a troubling decline in the number of Black players in Major League Baseball (MLB). Many focus on the financial barriers pricing young Black athletes out of the sport. While this is certainly a major issue, there’s an equally critical, often overlooked factor—social capital.
Yes, the cost of equipment, travel teams, and specialized coaching has skyrocketed, making it difficult for families without financial resources to keep their kids in the game. But the problem isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about access to social capital. Social capital is the web of relationships, mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, and advocacy that opens doors and creates opportunities for young players. In baseball, these connections are often what separate the athletes who get a chance from those who don’t.
There’s a prejudice in baseball—whether overt or subtle—where Black players are often not the preferred race. They’re frequently passed over for opportunities, and this bias doesn’t just come from a lack of talent; it’s rooted in a lack of access to the right networks and advocates. Without strong mentorship, coaching, and sponsors who are willing to champion their cause, many talented Black athletes fall through the cracks. Social capital changes that.
This is where the intentional development that we see in places like Japan offers a valuable lesson. Shohei Ohtani is an example of what can happen when there is a deliberate effort to nurture and empower young athletes through a culture of excellence. In Japan, baseball is woven into the social fabric. Players like Ohtani aren’t just developed technically; they are supported socially, with coaches, sponsors, and mentors guiding their journey every step of the way.
That’s the kind of culture we need for African American players here in the U.S. We can’t just throw money at the problem; we need to build a strong social foundation for these young athletes. At LEAD Center For Youth, our 6 A’s—Attitude, Awareness, Adjustments, Aptitude, Athleticism, and Aggressiveness—serve as the building blocks of this culture. It’s not just about making them better players; it’s about equipping them with the mindset, support system, and relationships they need to succeed.
Financial capital provides the resources, but social capital unlocks the doors. When young Black athletes are supported by mentors, coaches, and advocates who believe in them, they gain the confidence and opportunities to thrive in the game and beyond. That’s what our LEAD Ambassadors Program is about—developing not just Major League Players, but Major League Citizens.
As we look to restore African American representation in baseball, we must focus on more than just money. We must commit to creating a culture of support that includes financial backing, yes, but also the social networks and relationships that propel young athletes forward. Shohei Ohtani didn’t become great by accident; he was developed intentionally within a strong baseball culture. African American players deserve the same.
By addressing both financial and social capital, we can change the narrative and ensure that Black boys have the opportunity to succeed in baseball and life. Let’s not just develop better athletes—let’s develop leaders and citizens who are equipped to take on the world, on and off the field.
CJ Stewart is the Chief Visionary Officer and CoFounder of L.E.A.D. Center For Youth, a direct service, sports-based youth development non-profit organization that uses the sports of baseball and tennis to teach Black youth in Atlanta how to overcome three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty and racism. Stewart, a former Chicago Cubs Outfielder, has achieved unmatched success in the player development industry with over 22 years of experience developing some of the game’s top amateur, collegiate and professional players. Connect with him on Instagram @iamcjstewart