Great discussion of the difference between diversity and inclusion. One additional piece that I think is relevant to the experiences of white American-born players versus, say, Dominicans is the difference in the pathways by which they can reach the majors. American-born players might be first signed at 21 and go straight to A-ball, but Dominicans are signed so early and spend a few years in the DSL first, then are often approaching service time limits for minor league free agency at an age where most white Americans aren't yet big leaguers. It's tough to have to enter the professional system at such a young age and it puts a lot of additional pressure on the players in their careers.
To expand a little, it makes sense that lots of Dominican signees never advance past the DSL -- I'm sure something similar would be seen in the US if high schoolers were being signed to professional contracts at 16. But the lower rates of promotion at higher levels of the minors are definitely concerning.
this is such a smart comment. I think a lot about how the path to pro baseball affects the way we think about Latin-born players who DO make the majors — getting there at really young ages relative to US-born players, but with less polish and a lot less opportunity to mature outside baseball. But I hadn't thought about it from the perspective you presented. I'm also really interested in the way college is effectively replacing the low minors in terms of some development for US-born players and I imagine that will exacerbate some of what you're pointing to.
Great discussion of the difference between diversity and inclusion. One additional piece that I think is relevant to the experiences of white American-born players versus, say, Dominicans is the difference in the pathways by which they can reach the majors. American-born players might be first signed at 21 and go straight to A-ball, but Dominicans are signed so early and spend a few years in the DSL first, then are often approaching service time limits for minor league free agency at an age where most white Americans aren't yet big leaguers. It's tough to have to enter the professional system at such a young age and it puts a lot of additional pressure on the players in their careers.
To expand a little, it makes sense that lots of Dominican signees never advance past the DSL -- I'm sure something similar would be seen in the US if high schoolers were being signed to professional contracts at 16. But the lower rates of promotion at higher levels of the minors are definitely concerning.
this is such a smart comment. I think a lot about how the path to pro baseball affects the way we think about Latin-born players who DO make the majors — getting there at really young ages relative to US-born players, but with less polish and a lot less opportunity to mature outside baseball. But I hadn't thought about it from the perspective you presented. I'm also really interested in the way college is effectively replacing the low minors in terms of some development for US-born players and I imagine that will exacerbate some of what you're pointing to.