What's on Second

So there have been many new updates in the world of baseball. With protests about the Black Lives Matter Movement, many people are speaking out and looking for a change within all parts of society, including baseball. Some of the leagues Black stars collaborated and made a powerful video pushing baseball fans to join them in the fight for social justice. "You have cheered for us, but we need you to cheer with us now when you need us most. Black Lives Matter. It's our cheer for change. It's your cheer for us. It's these cheers that will unite us. One team. One dream. Be the change." These players have some of the best platforms to be able to share their beliefs to the rest of the world. They have entire fan bases that will listen to every word they say, so for these athletes to choose to participate in this movement is powerful and shows how important it is. All of society has been flipped upside down because of the Corona-Virus and now the Black Lives Matter movement, and for these players to speak up is important to take note of. Baseball's most popular player to break barriers was Jackie Robinson. Not only did Robinson break the barrier for baseball, but he started a movement around all professional sports. It was a moment in history that will never be forgotten. While even though the celebration of Jackie Robinson day was not as it usually is, it came at an important time. Not long after did these riots and protests begin, and in my mind, there is no better way to reflect on these events than to look at Jackie Robinson day. He was a very talented baseball player that was looked down upon and scrutinized for the color of his skin. And if not for him, countless other athletes would not be able to live out their dreams to play sports. I feel like this relates to the current problem of race because we do not recognize that it is still a problem. We can no longer turn a blind eye to this racism because it is holding back people from achieving their dreams. Branch Rickey was brave enough to set race aside and give Robinson a chance to change the world, and right now, we all could use a little Branch Rickey ourselves to take a stand against racism.