I don't know about the antics, but I think it is safe to say that the USA has been surpassed at the HOTBED of the best players in MLB now. Just look at where the best players come from, generally speaking. I think I read an article a while back that talks about how the number of homegrown American baseball players, specifically African-Americans, has decreased greatly in the last twenty years.
African Americans in MLB: 8%, lowest since integration era
Ten teams opened the year with no more than one African-American on their opening-day roster. There are nearly 30 more players from the Dominican Republic than the total of African-American players. Foreign-born players account for 28.4% of members of opening-day rosters.
This was an article from last year, so I think it will be interesting to see if the numbers drop again.
When I think of all the great teams under Whitey Herzog, I don't think there was more than one or two really key contributors on those teams, other than Joaquin Andujar, Tony Pena and Jose Oquendo. That's the only 3 I can think of from that era. When I think about the Cardinals last two title teams, I can think of two position players who were catalysts for them winning as much as they did, Albert and Yadier Molina.
For better or worse, the fact that the USA is NOT able to win tells me that the global reach of baseball is much more pronounced than ever before...and that is a good thing in my opinion.
BTW, GO CARDINALS (Here's hoping that the Cards give "Minor League Guy" Oscar Taveras a great look this season).
African Americans in MLB: 8%, lowest since integration era
Ten teams opened the year with no more than one African-American on their opening-day roster. There are nearly 30 more players from the Dominican Republic than the total of African-American players. Foreign-born players account for 28.4% of members of opening-day rosters.
This was an article from last year, so I think it will be interesting to see if the numbers drop again.
When I think of all the great teams under Whitey Herzog, I don't think there was more than one or two really key contributors on those teams, other than Joaquin Andujar, Tony Pena and Jose Oquendo. That's the only 3 I can think of from that era. When I think about the Cardinals last two title teams, I can think of two position players who were catalysts for them winning as much as they did, Albert and Yadier Molina.
For better or worse, the fact that the USA is NOT able to win tells me that the global reach of baseball is much more pronounced than ever before...and that is a good thing in my opinion.
BTW, GO CARDINALS (Here's hoping that the Cards give "Minor League Guy" Oscar Taveras a great look this season).
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