5 Black baseball players to watch for on MLB’s Opening Day

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  • Published on March 30, 2023
  • Last Updated May 15, 2023
  • In Passport

It is opening day for Major League Baseball. Check out these 5 notable African-American players in the league.

Tis the season to buy you some peanuts and cracker jacks. Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is officially March 30 and the games are officially underway as of this writing. America’s pastime is back and your favorite team is either gearing up to let you down or get you hyped. Last year’s World Series marked the first time since 1950, shortly after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, that no Black players featured on either team. With that said, we wanted to assure that you recognize some of the best Black players today along with some cool things to do in their city. Play ball!

Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers Conor P. Fitzgerald Shutterstock

Mookie Betts – Outfielder – Los Angeles Dodgers

This perennial all-star is one of the best players in the game today. He famously wore a t-shirt calling for more Black people in baseball. In 2018, while with the Red Sox, he became the first player in MLB history to win the Most Valuable Player, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, batting title, and World Series in the same season. Now playing in LA, he and the Dodgers are one of the top teams in baseball. While in LA, check outBloom and Plume, a bespoke floral design studio in Echo Park whose brand clients include Louis Vuitton, Goop, Dior, Nike, and Gucci.

Devin Williams – Pitcher – Milwaukee Brewers

This Milwaukee Brewers pitcher represented Team USA in the recent World Baseball Classic. At 28 years of age and entering his fifth major league season, Williams is poised to have a breakout season. He goes from being the closer for the Brewers for half the season to getting the gig full-time. While in Milwaukee, get some shopping done at theBronzeville Collective. This location features the handmade goods and art of over 30 black, brown, queer & ally-owned creative businesses.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees Conor P. Fitzgerald Shutterstock

Aaron Judge – Outfielder – New York Yankees

Major League Baseball’s ranking of best players in the sport have Aaron Judge ranked as the second-best player in the game. A year after breaking the American League record for home runs, Judge came back to the Yankees after many thought he was going to sign for the San Francisco Giants. The Yankees played the Giants on opening day and Judge did what Judge does. He started the season with a home run. While in the Bronx check out Sankofa Haus. This cool event space hosts parties, poetry readings, weddings, and more.

Tim Anderson – Shortstop – Chicago White Sox

Tim Anderson is the longest-tenured player on the Chicago White Sox. He was another player who starred on Team USA during the World Baseball Classic. The two-time All-Star is one of the best hitters in the sport. On the south side of Chicago be sure to grab dinner and a drink at Bronzeville Winery. It’s a lovely location for wine connoisseurs, foodies, vegan eaters, and lovers of culture.

Byron Buxton – Outfielder – Minnesota Twins

Once rated by Major League Baseball as the second-best prospect in 2015, he has lived up to the hype. Recently, plagued by injuries he returns this year after having arthroscopic knee surgery. Despite this, his speed and hitting ability will surely help him get back to his All-Star levels. Take a moment and visit Queen Anna House of Fashionin Minneapolis. This Women’s fashion boutique offers well-known brands and up-and-coming designers. Queen Anna also advocates for causes that benefit the local community.

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