When reporters create high-level articles about the clash of cultures in Major League Baseball (MLB), Assistant Professor of Sport Management Fritz G. Polite, Ph.D., MPA, is one of the people they turn to for expertise. Dr. Polite recently spoke to Jorge L. Ortiz of USA Today, and participated in an online forum with the Huffington Post. Here, he reflects on his recent experiences and offers his thoughts on the issue:
Recent discussions have centered on both the rise and insurgence of Latino players in MLB, and the strong presence of the Latin culture or way of playing the game. From Jose Bautista’s epic bat flip in the American League Division Series game winner of game five, to Yasiel Puig’s bat flip, the concept of policing actions of many Latino players has been a major topic of discussion.
Some have categorized it as ‘Baseball’s Culture Shock.’ MLB has seen a significant increase in the participation rates of Latino baseball players. Twenty-six percent of players in MLB are Latino and eight percent are African American. Even though the majority of MLB players are white (60 to 65 percent), the percentage of Latino players continues to rise.
I am fortunate to have been involved in the national debate revolving around these challenges. USA Today sports beat writer Jorge L. Ortiz did a splendid article on the clash of cultures in October 2015. The USA Today Sports study of 67 bench-clearing brawls in MLB revealed that 34 pitted white Americans against foreign-born Latinos. I was also invited to participate in a forum of speakers by the Huffington Post to discuss these incidents.
My personal and professional perspective is that although white players still constitute the majority of players in MLB, the changing demographic makeup of players to include culture, ethnicity and race must be recognized by the leadership. This approach should be more of a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach.
The fact is that although MLB is a form of entertainment, it is still big business and should take the approach that other multinational corporations take. That includes sensitivity to other cultures, diversity awareness development, cultural competency components and a strategic plan focusing on aspects indicative of an organization that realizes it operates in a changing global economy.
Realizing that baseball is the American pastime, MLB might also educate all players on the notion of good sportsmanship, decency, and respect, and an admiration for a great game that provides tremendous satisfaction and exhilaration to millions of fans around the world.
Play Ball!