MLB, MLBPA commit $10 million to Players Alliance
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[September 22, 2020]
Major League Baseball and the
Players Association jointly committed $10 million to The Players
Alliance on Monday to help boost the participation of Black
Americans in all levels of the sport.
The Players Alliance, a nonprofit organization comprised of active
and former players, will use the money to fund annual grants through
2024 to improve access to the sport from the youth level all the way
to MLB front offices.
"Major League Baseball is committed to enacting positive changes
within our sport to mirror those we hope to see in society,"
commissioner Rob Manfred said in a news release. "We believe that
the efforts led by The Players Alliance will complement existing
diversity initiatives and accelerate progress that will be
beneficial for our game."
Former player Curtis Granderson, president of The Players Alliance,
said his organization is "unified in our stance against systemic
racism."
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"We stand together for what is right and to change our game for the
better," Granderson said in a statement. "The power of our player
membership, including our non-Black teammates, coupled with the
support of MLB and the Players Association, gives us the unique
ability to create increased opportunities for the Black communities
we care so much about."
The Players Association said its mission includes:
--Increasing participation in baseball among Black youth and young
adults through efforts that include funding individual leagues,
equipment donations, special tournaments, clinics and playground
activities.
--Supporting Black cultural education, camps and other programs
designed to build pipelines and eliminate barriers to the sport.
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![](../images/092220pics/sports53.jpg)
Marlins left fielder Curtis Granderson (21) connects for a solo home
run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park.
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Mar/14/images/ads/current/tires250x300.gif)
--Increasing Black business partnerships as well as employment at
all levels of professional baseball by funding education, training,
counseling and internship and recruitment programs.
--Supporting baseball programs in public schools and community
centers.
--Providing grants, scholarships and community services to various
segments of the Black community.
Launched in June in the wake of nationwide protests over the death
of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, The Players
Association is made up of more than 100 active and former players.
"Recent events and social unrest have profoundly crystallized the
need for prescriptive programs and additional education designed to
enhance Black participation at all levels of baseball for the
betterment of our game as well as society," MLBPA executive director
Tony Clark said. "We look forward to working with The Players
Alliance and MLB to make lasting changes and to have a substantive
impact in this important area."
--Field Level Media
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