When the Astros and Phillies take the field at Minute Maid Park for Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, a streak that dates back to Jackie Robinson’s playing career will come to an ignominious end.
Barring some unexpected roster moves, this year’s Fall Classic will be the first since 1950 to feature no American-born Black players. While there will still be a diverse set of participants on both rosters, it’s still a jarring realization for members from both teams.
Among the Black players who have played in the World Series in the years between Robinson’s debut and now is Astros manager Dusty Baker, who conceded that it’s a sad development but offered hope that the future of the sport’s Black representation is headed in the right direction.
