 "Photo: Aaron Saunders/Echo sports/assitant editor")
In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, and paved the way for the likes of Willie Mays and Ken Griffey Jr. to play with their white counterparts.
Because of this, baseball affiliates including fans, former and current players and coaches, celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, to commemorate his tremendous historical accomplishment.
"He definitely paved the way for African Americans to play professional baseball," said N.C. Central University senior outfielder Edward Pegues.
Pegues was not the only one to share the appreciation of Robinson.
"He means a lot. He proves that you can do anything you put your mind to," said NCCU junior outfielder Ross Plummer.
But, the question arises: where are the African Americans in baseball? According to NCAA's website, African American athletes comprise only 5.6% of National Collegiate Athlete Association baseball players in Division I.
Of the 105 HBCU's in the country, only 58 have baseball teams.
In the MEAC conference, all 12 schools have basketball teams, 10 of 12 schools have football teams, but only eight have baseball teams, including NCCU.
"It's real expensive to have a start up with baseball.
Most schools don't have a facility and most schools don't have the opportunity to have a baseball team," said NCCU Baseball Head Coach Henry White.
Charles Curti, sports writer and editor for the Allegheny Times in Pittsburgh, PA, having also done extensive research on the subject has a different opinion on the matter.
"I think it's all about where the administration chooses to spend its money."
"If they're sinking a bunch of money into football and/or basketball, then, no, there probably isn't a lot left over for baseball," said Curti.
As the number of African Americans athletes in baseball dwindles, more and more black athletes are seen playing different sports. "There is a lack of interest and a lot want to play an active sport," said White.
According to the NCAA website, 60.9% of Division I NCAA basketball players and 45.8% of NCAA Division I football players are African American, compared to the mere 5.6 % of African Americans in baseball.
There are few African American iconic figures representing and advertising for the game of baseball, and it is becoming less popular in the black community.
A typical student at NCCU knows more about Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, than Hank Aaron or the accomplishments of Barry Bonds.
"Look at TV commercials and print ads: the highest-profile black athletes are football and basketball players," said Curti.
In the past, athletes like Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, and Kenny Lofton would play multiple sports, however with sports becoming year round, athletes are often confined to just one.
"Dave Winfield was offered scholarships in baseball, basketball and football. Obviously he chose baseball, but I wonder which one he'd choose if he were a high school athlete now," said Curti.
There is also a lack of athletic scholarship money for collegiate baseball players.
"The NCAA allows a maximum of 12 scholarships for Division I baseball teams. So, if you're going to fill out a roster of 20 or 25 guys, there are no full scholarships there," said Curti.
NCCU baseball athletes like Edward Pegues and Ross Plummer had to deal with being the only minorities on their individual teams in high school.
"I always knew I had to go above and beyond and be better than my white counterparts," said Pegues.
NCCU baseball players look to be an example for the youth.
"Hopefully young black kids will see us out there and want to play," said Plummer.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now