The Black Baseball Mixtape (Black Baseball Mixtape )

Cheats and Flobo are joined by our resident Dodgers fan April to talk about where we are in the playoffs. The Birds are down 0-2 to the Rangers. The Braves are down 0-1 to the Phils, and the Dodgers are down 0-1 to the D-Backs (Flobo is pumped).

Here us talk about what's going right and what's going wrong.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape. Leave a review to enter into a chance to win a brand new BBM tee-shirt.

April holds down the hosting and is joined by Lewis Brinson to talk all things Championship Series.

The Black Baseball Mixtape partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia21, NumbersGame Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest.

Reporting Live from the 2024 MLB Futures Game at Global Life Field: The Black Baseball Mixtape is proud to share with you on-the-field interviews with Marines #2 Prospect Harry Ford, Rays #13 Prospect Tre Morgan, and Rangers #1 Prospect Sebastian Walcott. The Futures Game is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events of MLB All-Star Week. If you ask me (which no one has), I'd make the game a full nine innings. It's such a great platform to highlight the future of the game.

If you like this podcast, please subscribe, rate, and leave a comment everywhere podcasts are available.

The Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, and Numbers Game Scorecards. If you'd like to partner with the Black Baseball Mixtape, please email BlackBaseballMixtape@gmail.com

Welcome to the inaugural episode of In the Booth with Flobo Boyce!

On this debut episode, Flobo is joined by die-hard Mets musician Jordan Simpson (@jrsimpsonmusic). They talk all things Mets - both of their favorite teams. You don't want to miss this conversation.

Please rate and review the BBM podcast network. Your 5-star ratings help keep the lights on.

Special S/O to Steelo Media, the Players Alliance, and our friends at Herencia 21.

Patrick Ellington has become one of my favorite baseball writers this season. His bylines appeared on MLB.com, Baseball Prospectus, SABR, and Baseball America. He also has a fantastic Medium blog that profiles Black baseball players in MLB and MiLB.

Patrick and I discuss Dusty Baker's championship, Black prospects, and the current state of Black baseball.

Please follow Patrick on Twitter at @Tangilble_Uno

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Stay tuned for more Mixtape talks coming very soon.

As MLB prepares for its highly anticipated Tribute to the Negro Leagues game at the historic Rickwood Field on June 20th, several special events and projects are happening in conjunction to celebrate the occasion. One of the most exciting for card collectors is a special trading card collection from Topps. The Topps collection features hand-drawn artwork by former MLB player and renowned artist Micah Johnson.

 In an exclusive one-on-one conversation with Marc Cheatham (Cheats) of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Johnson, 33, called this collaboration with Topps, “The perfect project.” He said the project was “very grueling” due to the intense research he had to put in on each of the six subjects: Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Willie Mays, Larry Doby, and Monte Irvin.

Please enjoy this special episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape — Subscribe, Rate, and Review.

You can subscribe everywhere podcasts are streaming.

We have another great episode for you. Please rate and review the show on Apple Podcast. 13-year MLB alum Jeffrey Hammonds joins the podcast. Hammonds may not be a true household name, but he was one of my favorite Orioles of all time. He was a hitting machine. The only thing that truly slowed him down was his health. Even with injuries, Hammonds played 13 MLB seasons, making the all-star team in 2000. He amassed a 272 career average, with over 100 HR, and over 400 RBIs. Hammonds was a first-round draft pick in 1992, and a college All-American at Stanford.

During our brief chat, we talked about his playing days, how he fell in love with the game, and what we needed to do to get more kids of color playing baseball.

If you listen closely, there is also a BBM T-shirt giveaway during the podcast.

Again, thank you for the amazing support. Please rate and review the show.

Cheats is joined by Flobo, Troy Justice, and Don Dishes to discuss the MLB Wild Card series. We also preview the Division Series and discuss the highest-selling jerseys in baseball.

This is part of the BBM LIVE playoff series. The crew will go live every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday during the MLB playoffs.

The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, Rebellion Harvest, and Numbers Game Scorecards.

I’m so excited to introduce you to Caleb Green. Caleb is one of nine members of the 2022 MLB Creator Class. The MLB Creator Class are brand ambassadors charged with creating fantastic content to help grow the game.

Learn more about Caleb, the MLB Creative Class, and fun tidbits like who’d he like to pitch to in this BBM exclusive interview. Please follow Caleb at @Chayyy_luppp on IG and Tiktok

Please follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG: BlackBaseballMixtape – Twitter: @Bballmixtape

On this Black Baseball Mixtape podcast episode, Cheats sits down with Washington Nationals' #1 prospect (MLB #6), James Wood. The Harrisburg Senators centerfielder spoke about his approach to improving his game, his early love for baseball in a house full of hoopers, his journey from Maryland to IMG (Flordia), to the draft (San Diego), and now back to his hometown club (the Nationals). It's a wild ride.

James is a thoughtful student of the game. You would never know that this old soul is just 20 years old. His future is exceptionally bright; he was named to the MLB Futures Game this week. The conversation was a lot of fun — and full of great gems for baseball fans of any era.

If you like this interview, please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape; everywhere podcasts are available. Please rate and review the show. Your support is appreciated.

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape, Cheats talks with TT Bowens of the Bowie Baysox—the Connecticut native- about his journey in baseball and the mental approach that has led to his success.

TT was a late bloomer in the game and grew his confidence playing at Central Connecticut State. Now, in pro ball, TT stays focused and grounded on being the best player and person he can be every day.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Rate and review the show on Apple and Spotify.

The Black Baseball Mixtape is brought to you by our partners Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Henrincia 21, and Numbers Game Sportscards.

This episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape is old school: It's just Cheats and Flobo talking playoffs.

Mets Win!

Is Lindor a global star?

How did the Mets get here?

Padres vs. Dodgers: Who you got?

Are the Padres heels?

Who has more pressure, Shohei or Judge?

All that and more on this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape.

The Black Baseball Mixtape partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia21, Numbers Game Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest.

Subcribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape everywhere podcasts are available.

Sunday Live! BBM host Cheats is joined by former major Leaguer Lewis Brinson and BBM fantasy baseball commissioner Ced to talk all things playoffs.

Subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast everywhere streaming is available.

The BBM podcast partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, Numbers Game Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest.

What's good BBM Family!

This is another quick "red carpet" style interview with one of the more interesting men in baseball, Tommy Pham. Tommy is just coming off playing in a World Series for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The nine-year vet is a professional hitter; the man hits everywhere he plays. He is one of the most authentic players I've ever had the opportunity to be around, and he has a real heart for the mission of the Players Alliance. He has passionate ideas about advancing the game for more Black kids nationwide. It was an honor to ask him a few questions on the carpet. I hope to get Tommy on for a longer podcast during the season.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast everywhere podcasts are available.

Thank you to our sponsors, Steelo Media and the Players Alliance.

Happy Holidays BBM Family!

On this episode of Mixtape Talk, Cheats is joined by Tyrone Brooks of the MLB Diversity Pipeline Program. Tyrone's principle job is to help diversify the game at the front office level. Tyrone has amassed a stellar executive career with the Braves, Guardians, and Pirates.

In 2016, he was hired in his current role with MLB and, since then, has helped hundreds of women and people of color enter careers in baseball.

For many years, Tyrone has been passionate about helping people enter the game. He started the Baseball Industry Network, which and now grown to very 40K members (on LinkedIn).

In our conversation, we talk about the challenges of his job. The perception versus reality of diversity in baseball and that MLB is doing to make people aware of career opportunities within the game.

Tyrone has a love of baseball that started when he was five years old, and his passion continues today. His job is challenging and demanding. The travel is immense. Yet, he loves the opportunity it creates for the next generation. He is a true leader and trailblazer.

Please follow Tyrone Brooks at @TBrooksBIN on Twitter and @TyBrooks412 on IG.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast everywhere Podcasts are available.

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RECORDED ON JANUARY 10, 2022: I have a special guest on today’s episode: Former Professional Baseball Player Xavier Scruggs.

X came across my radar because of his work in baseball media with ESPN and the MLB Network. He hosts an excellent podcast called “The Bigs” on MLB Network and is also very active on social media, posting and vlogging often. In addition to all of that, X is an entrepreneur. He started Xtraordinary Athletes, a business that helps athletes take their brand to the next level. And finally, is the diversity and equality consultant for the St. Louis Cardinals.

On this episode of Mixtape Talk, Cheats speaks with Jay Caldwell and Graig Kreindler, the creators of the new book, “Black Baseball in Living Color.” The 250-page book features nearly 240 of Graig’s color portraits he created while working with Jay on a centennial project for the Negro League Baseball Museum.

The book explores the players and events that shaped Black baseball from the nineteenth century through the twenty-first century, presenting a look at Black baseball that you’ve never seen before. The book dedicates five of its twelve chapters to seminal figures Negro Leagues history: Rube Foster, Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson. Jay and four other SABR authors wrote those chapters. Some other chapters highlight other important aspects of Black baseball, like the Latin Winter Leagues, the dead ball era, and the years after Jackie’s integration.

During the conversation, Jay and Graig discuss the book’s origins and how their work has captivated a vast audience. You don’t want to miss this light and fun conversation.

Black Baseball in Living color can be pre-ordered right now at Baseballartll.com. The books will be shipped in December.

Please follow Graig Kreindler everywhere on social media  @Graig Kreindler  And, of course, follow the Black Baseball Mixtape at @BBallMixtape.

The Roberto Clemente Award is the most prestigious award in MLB.

The Roberto Clemente Award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Past winners include Willie Mays, Willie Stargel, Rod Crew, Don Baylor, Curtis Granderson, and Derek Jeter.

And in 2023, five of the nominees are African American. That's five African-American players out of thirty nominations. That's 16.6%. The players are Tony Kemp (A's), Marcus Stroman (Cubs), Jojo Gray (Nats), Aaron Judge (NYY), and Hunter Greene (Reds). What a tremendous honor. If you add the nine LatinX players that are nominated, that makes nearly half the league. I truly love how this game is growing, and I am happy to share this information.

Salute to every player nominated regardless of race. It's a stellar accomplishment.

I spoke with Donta' Williams of the Bowie Baysox on this Black Baseball Mixtape podcast episode. Donta' is a Las Vegas native. He played college baseball at the University of Arizona and was a 4th Round draft pick of the O's in 2021.

Donta and I talk about his personal journey to pro ball and the importance of a strong foundation in the game. Donta' had excellent leadership from his youth coach, Coach Ceasar in Vegas, and his family. Without that leadership, he would not be where he is today.

He also shares his love for a VA natvie in Jackie Bradley Jr. Being from VA myself, I love to hear that.

This episode is filled with authentic conversation and support. It should be shared with every young player who dreams of making the pros but has been doubted along the way.

This episode is brought to you by BBM in partnership with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21 (caps), and Numbers Game (scorecards). If you'd like to partner with BBM, please email BlackBaseballMixtape@gmail.com.

Please share, rate, and review this episode. Thanks.

What's good, BBM Family! We have a special podcast today because our good friends over at Baseball United have a very special announcement. Flobo, our BU correspondent, has all the tea. In short, there are three major announcements, including the start date of the inaugural BU season. Enjoy the Show.

The World Series is set. Flobo is elated about the DBacks. Cheats (and Commissioner Manfred) is crying (even though I'm sure the Commish will say he's happy about this result). We discuss the fall of the Astros and the Phillies and predict the World Series Champs. You don't want to miss this.

This episode features the return of one of my favorites guest, Edwin Jackson. I spent a large part of All-Star week with EJack and other members of the Players Alliance as we attended the first-ever HBCU Swingman Classic, Toni's Promise softball games, the Players Alliance Game Change awards, and other meaningful panels. This podcast was recorded live at the 2023 Game Changer Awards honoring Dave Sims, Mike Cameron, Ken Griffey Jr., and Toni's Promise. I spoke to EJack about the week and his work with the Alliance. We had some fun too, talking about his Gala outfit and the first baseball player he knew to wear a grill (spoiler alert...it was Gary Sheffield).

Please subscribe and review the Black Baseball Mixtape. Your support is critical.

Everyone will learn something from this episode.

Last week, I had the honor of speaking with Jean Lee Batrus. Jean is the Executive Director of the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF). YDF is a joint initiative by Major League Baseball and the Players Association to support efforts that focus on improving the caliber, effectiveness and availability of amateur baseball and softball programs across the United States and internationally. From local-based programs to the Hank Aaron Invitational and HBCU Swingman Classic, the foundation helps make youth baseball and softball more accessible – creating economic opportunities, strengthening communities, and building character – on and off the field.

I spoke to Jean about her role at YDF, and how they strategically change communities through access to baseball. It's a fascinating conversation. Everyone interested in revitalizing a community through baseball or even just offering baseball access to kids that don't have local stability should tune in from start to finish.

Please rater and review this episode. Share it with a friend, and leave a comment. Your support goes a long way to growing the Black Baseball Mixtape.

On this special "midweek" episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape, I briefly chat with The Kid Mero and the Broadcast Boys on the field at the MLB Celebrity Softball game. This game was awesome, and it was an honor to speak with these guys who truly inspired me to be creative with the BBM podcast and community.

The BBM podcast is in partnership with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, and Numbers Game Scorecards.

Please comment to let us know how much you enjoy the podcast.

This is the first episode from our time at the 2023 MLB All-Star week. This episode features two of culture's most influential content creators: The Kid Mero and Lou Young.

BBM founder, Cheats, spoke to Mero on the field at T-Mobile Stadium before the All-Starr game, and he sat with Lou at the Player Alliance Game Changer Awards. You will enjoy both of these interviews.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Please rate and review the show.

You can follow on IG and YouTube at: BlackBaseballMixtape.

Last Friday (June 30, 2023), I had the honor of being in Norfolk, VA, as the Norfolk Tided (AAA- Orioles) celebrated Negro League Night at Harbor Park.

This podcast episode is extraordinary. I sat down with Daz Cameron of the Tides to talk about his career and the honor of being a member of the Tide on this particular night.

Daz is a second-generation professional player. His dad, Mike Cameron, was a 16-year pro with 3 gold gloves and an all-star appearance.

Daz is striking his own path after being drafted by the Astros in 2015 and making his pro debut for the Tigers in 2020. In 2022, he signed with the O's and is having a solid season for the 1st-half International League East Champs.

During the podcast, Daz talked about his love for baseball, how he stays focused, and how he would do facing Bob Gibson. It's an enjoyable episode - on a very special night.

Please subscribe, rate, and review the Black Baseball Mixtape. Your support is appreciated.

All roads in youth baseball and softball development roads converge this weekend in Montgomery, Alabama, for the first-ever Flyball Jubilee. The event is presented by The Players Alliance in partnership with the city of Montgomery.

On this extraordinary episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, I talk to Players Alliance Executive Director Margarette Purvis and Minority Prospects President (Coach) Reggie Hollins. They talk about the unprecedented effort they have put into this historic weekend of events for Flyball Jubilee. This includes a complete renovation of Paterson Field, which will impact over 3,200 kids for local events and tournaments.

The weekend is jam-packed. It includes an HBCU game, "the Jubilee Classic," between Tuskegee University and Alabama State University. It includes the Players Alliance Community Catch, the Dirty Derby, Focus City Showcase, and Legacy Game, featuring some of the top softball players in the country. The Players Alliance will host a Solutions Summit and Equip the Future events.

Ms. Purvis and Coach Hollins discuss it all (and more) in this episode.

The BBM podcast is in partnership with the Players Alliance, Steelo Sports, Herencia 21, Numbers Game Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest Sunflower seeds.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast and share it everywhere podcasts are streaming.

On this special episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats sat down with Trey Lipscomb of the Harrisburg Senators. According to MLB.com, Trey is the #18 prospect in the Nationals organization. He was drafted in the 3rd round of last year's draft — after completing a stellar senior season at the University of Tennessee.

On the podcast, Trey talks about his journey from a college walk-on to a professional baseball player. He's always been "a guy" everywhere he's gone, whether it was right away or after a few years of perseverance. This is an honest look into Trey as a player and a person. You'll learn a little about how he fell in love with baseball and how the game took him from his hometown of Maryland to Flordia, a travel team in Atlanta, to the University of Tennessee. You'll also learn some lighter sides of Trey as he talks about music, the idea of playing hockey, and even marine biology (sort of).

This is an excellent window into one of the game's more interesting and exciting young players.

Please subscribe, rate, and review the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast.

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast, I am talking with Coach Drew Spencer. Coach Spencer may be the most compelling man in baseball. He is the Complex Coach for the New York Yankees. He is also the Head man for the British National baseball team, a team that played in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and has already qualified for the 2026 WBC. Coach Spencer is ushering in a new wave of British baseball that doesn't look traditional. The team is filled with Black players from all over the Globe. If you're interested in how he's done this, stick around and listen.

The BBM podcast is in partnership with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, and Numbers Game. Please check out all of our excellent partners.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to play professional baseball in the Mexican Pro League? This episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast (BBM) answers that question and more with RHP Ronnie Williams. On this episode, you will hear from Ronnie what it's like to be a pro player in Mexico. What it was like being a pro player in Korea. You will also learn Ronnie's keys to success and hear about his unique baseball background growing up in Florida.

This episode is for curious baseball fans who want to learn more about what it takes to be a professional pitcher in the US and abroad.

This episode is brought to you by Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia21, and Numbers Game. Please visit all of our excellent partners.

Also, please subscribe, rate, and review the Black Baseball Mixtape. Your reviews matter.

Former MLB 3X all-star Curtis Granderson may be the busiest man in baseball. He is the Board Chairman of the Players Alliance, a TBS analyst, a founder of his non-profit (Grand Kids), a business investor, and the list goes on and on. All the while, he has maintained his reputation of being one of baseball's most excellent ambassadors, a reputation built on four Marvin Miller Man of the Year awards and a Roberto Clemente Man of the Year award, all for community contributions. Curtis played for 16 seasons in MLB: for seven teams. He has seen it all in the game of baseball.

Curtis joined the Mixtape podcast to discuss the World Baseball Classic, the state of Black baseball, his work with the Players Alliance, and even his dream match-up against Nolan Ryan.

You don't want to miss this Dream Guest episode.

Cheats is joined by MLB pitcher and host of the Brushback Podcast Jay Jackson, Host of the Baseball Aficiado Santo, and Producer of ESPN Daily Alex H.

They have a robust discussion about the Dodgers v. Yankees World Series.

The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast partners with Steelo Sports, Herencia21, NumbersGame Scorecards, Rebellion Harvest, and the Players Alliance.

Follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on both IG and YouTube.

BBM Family, Cheats here!

And I'm doing something new: I am recapping my days at MLB All-Star Week in Seattle.

Today was my first day; it was a half-day due to travel, but, boy, did I get it in. And did I mention that I met Ken Griffey Jr.? If not, I met KEN GRIFFEY JR.!

That story is in this episode. I also met: Cito Gaston, Bill Rhoden, Marvin Freeman, and many (many) more people. What a first day. It was like an actual family reunion.

Please subscribe, rate, and review this episode. I will be posing recap episodes every night.

Special thanks to the Players Alliance.

Additional thanks to MLB HQ.

It's Sunday night...I got my guy, former MLBer Lewis Brinson, talking all things playoffs and more.

The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia21, Numbers Game Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest.

Subcribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast everywhere podcasts are available.

Brooklyn's Own Joshua Palacios is my guest on this episode of the BBM podcast. P-Lo played over 90 games with the Pirates this year — batting 239 with 10 HR, 40 RBIs, and 5 SB. More importantly, this was the year the 28-year-old Brooklyn native got his fill of The Show.

I was able to visit with Josh and dig into his journey from growing up in a baseball-crazed house to the MLB. His path is one of hard work and resilience. We also have a lot of fun talking about the music in his playlist, the pizza he eats, and the sneakers he rocks. The conversation is very diverse.

Growing the game is critical to Josh, and we talk about ways he is growing the game through giving back (Players Alliance) and his company, Built Different.

This is another BBM episode you don't want to miss.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast everywhere podcasts are available.

Special thanks to Steelo Sports - our media partner. Big things coming soon.

On this special edition of Mixtape Talk, Cheats goes one-on-one with Head Coach Blake Beemer of Butler University.

Coach Beemer is one of the youngest head coaches in all Division I baseball and one of only twelve Black head coaches in DI baseball.

In this fantastic conversation, Coach Beemer talks about his journey through the college baseball coaching ranks, his grit and determination to create his path and the future of the Butler Baseball program. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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Twitter @BBallMixtape

IG: BlackBaseballMixtape

New Wave: Baseball's Next Generation is a two-part docuseries that follows the journey of Termarr Johnson, Jayson Jones, RJ Austin, and Justin Crawford: top Black baseball prospects in the 2022 MLB draft. The BBM recap show is hosted by BBM founder Cheats and Knew Amsterdam Radio's own Flobito. These two baseball & culture heads breakdown episode one from a culture, TV, and baseball perspective.

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Black Baseball Mixtape (YouTube)

Will Benson is one of the most exciting players in baseball. He plays for the exhilarating Cincinnati Reds, a team loaded with young talent - gushing with star potential.

In 2023, Benson solidified himself in The Show, playing over 100 games, tallying 287 AB, 11 HRs, and 31 RBIs, with a 275 batting average, 365 on-base, and 498 slugging percentage.

What's even more impressive than his on-field statistics is his heart for giving back to his community and helping others in need. The 25-year-old Georgia native has shown a desire and willingness to lead by example. He has established a nonprofit (future is near) that focuses on empowering youth and mentoring efforts. He leads an annual toy drive and works to fight homelessness.

On this Black Baseball Mixtape podcast episode, you'll hear Will's journey from GA Little League to the MLB. You'll also hear about adjusting to life in the pros, his passion for helping others, and his thoughts on various topics. You don't want to miss the fun episode.

Thanks to Steelo Sports and the Players Alliance for their continued support. Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape everywhere podcasts are available.

Steve Friend had a dream of making it to the major leagues. He worked hard through high school, went the JUCO route, landed at a D1 program, and ultimately made it to pro baseball. But all of his hard work and talent did not get him to the major leagues; as a player.

Steve made it to MLB as an entrepreneur through his company Steelo. Sports. When a Steelo glove broke into the majors, Steelo became the first Black-owned glove company ever worn in MLB. (Steelo was also the first Black-owned glove worn in the Olympics.)

Steelo. is the dopest movement in baseball. That makes Steve Friend the dopest CEO in the game. Steelo blends baseball with hip-hop culture like no other brand in the world. With a background in baseball, design, fashion, and creativity, Steve works from a lens rarely seen in America's pastime. He understands that the Black community is often left out of the game and underrepresented, not just on the field but in every aspect of the game. Steelo is setting out to change that. They offer the highest-quality gloves, bats, and other equipment. They work with players, like Cincinnati Reds' pitcher Hunter Greene, to design products used by top MLB talent and offered to others worldwide. Steelo. Is just getting started.

On this Mixtape Talk episode, Steve and Cheats (BBM) talk about all things Steelo, culture, and baseball.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast, YouTube, and Twitter.

Please rate and review this episode and the show.

Regaining Big East Baseball Coach of the Year Edwin Thompson, AKA Coach T, took over the Georgetown baseball team in 2020. He has already led the program to a record number of wins in his second season (32). Coach T is one of the most respected coaches in all of college baseball, and, at an age far too young to be considered a legend (42) – he is, in fact, a legend among the Black coaching ranks.

Of the 299 schools that will field baseball teams next season in the NCAA’s Division I, only 12 of them will have Black head coaches; none in Power 5 conferences. Coach T has spent the last few years looking into the challenge of diversity in college baseball and forming a path for young Black coaches to succeed.

On this episode of Mixtape Talk, I (Cheats) go one-on-one with Coach T. It’s a diverse conversation about his background, mission, philosophy, and legacy. Enjoy.

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A.J. Andrews is an absolute star on the field and the mic. The former LSU All-American and current professional Fastpitch pro was the first woman to win the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2016.

Andrews, 30, a Flordia native, is a true advocate for Black women in sports, specifically focusing on supporting and mentoring young Black softball players.

In recent years, she has set her sights on media, hosting a show on the MLB Network, creating content for BET MGM, and serving as an analyst for SEC Network. If that was not enough, A.J. also made a trip to Dubai for Baseball United last year and is an active member of the Players Alliance.

I caught up with A.J. in the Bahamas (December 2023) for the TPA and Don't Blink HR Derby. I like to say this interview is "take two" because I had a great interview with A.J. at the 2023 All-Star Game in Seattle, but I could not use the recording. Enjoy this short interview, and please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast.

Special thanks to the Players Alliance, Steelo Media, and our newest sponsor Herencia21.

Coach Bianca Smith is our esteemed guest for Mixtape Talk 016. She also happens to be the second person on our 2023 Podcast Dream Guest List to join the Mixtape.

Coach Smith made history in 2021 when she was hired as a coach by the Boston Red Sox organization. The hire made her the first Black woman ever to serve as a professional baseball coach.

While Coach Smith may have burst on many people's radars with her historic hire, she has a journey made for Hollywood. She played softball and club baseball at Dartmouth. She earned two post-graduate degrees (one in law), interned in MLB front offices, and served as a volunteer coach at the college level. She applied for job after job after job, rarely hearing back from D1 programs and pro clubs. She worked seven paying jobs simultaneously, along with a volunteer coaching position. She earned her stripes to make history.

Our free-flowing conversation is fun and authentic. We touch on Coach Smith's coaching style and philosophy, analytics versus the eye test, and how players respond to her instruction. We also discuss how life has changed for her since her hire. It's a fantastic talk. Coach Smith is genuine, passionate, extremely knowledgeable, and even a bit funny; in her own way.

It was indeed an honor to have her on the Mixtape. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Please subscribe, share, and rate the Black Baseball Mixtape. We really need your support to expand the mission.

Best,

Cheats @BlackBaseballMixtape - IG - @BBallMixtape (Twitter)

On this exclusive episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats is joined by the inaugural Manager of the Oakland Ballers, Micah Franklin, and three Black players who participated in the 2024 Ballers season: Austin Davis (52 games), Trevor Halsema (52 games), and Payton Harden (82 games).

Coach Franklin and the players speak for the first time about their experience with the start-up Pioneer League team, created after the significant announcement that the A's were leaving Oakland after the 2024 season.

The Ballers have a narrative of community-first. They have created interactive fan engagement and expensive marketing to highlight their innovation. The Ballers' opening-day roster was filled with players of color and a Black Manager in Franklin. However, as the season progressed, Franklin was dismissed despite a 29-25 record, and several Black players left the team for various reasons. Both Davis and Halsema asked to be either released or traded despite both batting over 300.

There were housing concerns, safety concerns, and physical health concerns. There was a growing narrative that the Ballers' environment was challenging to minority players and their approach to the game.

This podcast allows you to hear Coach Franklin's perspective and the perspective of the players who experienced the season.

I hope this podcast educates and leads to overall improvement for those involved.

The Black Baseball Mixtape partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Numbers Game Scorecards, Herencia 21, and Rebellion Harvest.

What's good, BBM family!

BBM founder Cheats is here to touch on the five things that had him talking in baseball this week.

1. Southern Beats LSU
2. The Oakland A's situation is a mess
3. The LA Dodgers are must-watch (good)
4. The Miami Marlins are must-watch (bad)
5. Are the Norfolk Tides the best minor league team ever?

Please subscribe to the podcast. Please rate and review.

Special thanks to the Players Alliance, Steelo Sports, Herencia 21.

Please reach out to me to join our BBM group chat on Discord.

On this episode of Mixtape Talk, Cheats chats with newly-minted Marist Head Coach Lance Ratchford. Coach Ratchford is returning to Poughkeepsie, NY, to lead a baseball program he once served as an assistant coach from 2016-2018. During that time, he helped guide the Red Foxes to the 2017 MAAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Regional.

Coach Ratchford discusses a wide range of topics, including the process of being offered and accepting the head coaching job, his journey to becoming one of the youngest coachings in all of D1 baseball, his approach to completing his coaching staff, recruiting new players, and maintaining a solid roster of returning players.

He also dives into the growing number of Black coaching in Division I collegiate baseball and what actions can be taken to improve diversity within the coaching ranks.

This is another Mixtape Talk that you don’t want to miss.

Please follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG and Twitter.

On this episode of In the Booth with Flobo Boyce, Flobo is joined by Mia from Black Girls Love Baseball.

What started as a fun side project has become one of baseball's more engaging social media platforms. Black Girls Love Baseball follows the adventures of Mia and her friends as they show their Atlanta Braves fandom throughout MLB.

Flobo and Mia discuss the platform, its origins, and future plans. They spar over what team has the meanest fans and whether the Braves mascot is a carbon imitation of the Philly Phanatic (you make the call).

As always, we'd like to thank the Players Alliance, Steelo Sports, and Herencia 21. Please subscribe, rate, and review this and all the episodes on the BBM podcast platform.

Please follow Mia and all things BGLB at:

https://twitter.com/bglb44

https://www.tiktok.com/@blackgirlslovebaseball

https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlslovebaseball44/

The MLB playoffs are here! The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast crew is recording live every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday throughout the playoffs.

Cheats is joined by Flobo, April, and Malik to discuss Day 1 of the Wild Card Series and the state of Black baseball.

Subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast everywhere podcasts are available.

Thanks to our podcast partners Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, Numbers Game Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest (Sunflower Seeds).

I'm back with another quick travel log of Fanatics Fest Day 2. In this very brief episode, I mainly focused on the card hobby, and I had a quick chat with 14-year-old custom cleats sensation Evan the Artist.

Thanks to the Black Baseball Mixtape partners: Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Numbers Game Scorecards, Rebellion Harvest, and Herencia 21.

If you have any questions about Fanatics Fest - my experience at Fanatics Fest, please DM me on IG, and I will answer them on a future podcast.

D'Andre Smith, 21, has dreamed of playing pro ball since he was in middle school. He did the weight training, the skill work, the private workouts; he played high school ball, then travel ball, and flirted with going pro before he committed to USC. Following his sophomore season at USC, it was time to make the move. He entered the 2022 draft and was selected by the Mets in the 5th round.

D'Andre is now adjusting to pro ball. He has a consistent routine that he vigorously pursues every day. But now, instead of working out around his college teammates and peers his age, he is working out beside fellow pro players, some at the highest level of the game.

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, we spend time getting to know D'Andre; and all he hopes to accomplish in the game. He is a genuine, humble, well-rounded person. It's impossible not to like him, and root for his success.

Thank you for checking out the podcast. Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

You can follow D'Andre on Twitter at @DAndreSmith04 and on IG at @DAndreSmith

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, I visit with LaTroy Hawkins. Hawk is a media analyst and Special Assistant for Baseball Ops for the Minnesota Twins. He also co-hosts the Thick Skin Podcast with his former teammate, Jauque Jones.

Hawk has indeed seen a lot in the game. He played for over two decades (21 seasons with 11 teams) and has also coached at a very high level. He is the perfect person to discuss the state of Black baseball. We talk about his podcast and his journey in baseball, and we also manage to have a little fun along the way.

Please subscribe to the Thick Skin and BBM podcasts wherever podcasts are available. Please rate and review our show. If you're up to it, comment on the Apple podcast comment page. It all helps.

Thanks to our partners: Steelo Sports, Herencia21, and the Players Alliance.

Brand New on the BBM podcast: Flobo Flow Ep. 1 - Stock Up, Stock Down: Are you buying stock in the 1st place Arizona Diamondbacks?

Baseball absolutely needs a Coach Prime. It needs a Deion Sanders to shoot energy directly into its veins. There is no denying the impact that Coach Prime AKA Prime Time AKA Neon Deion has had on the American sports landscape this year at the University of Colorado. It's huge! It's not only the talk of sports, but it's the top of pop culture and the top of traditional news media (AKA 60 Minutes led with a Coach Prime story last week).

Baseball needs a Coach Prime — but who could it be?

We discuss this topic in this week's podcast short.

Kerrick Jackson is a true trailblazer. He made history last year when he was hired as the first Black baseball Head Coach at the University of Memphis. In one season at Memphis, Jackson led the program to their first winning season since 2017, racking up 29 wins. In June, he accepted the head coaching job at the University of Missouri. A hire that allowed him to return home - he had served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Mizzou from 2011-15 - and to make even more history as the first Black head coach in Mizzou baseball history and the first Black (baseball) head coach in the history of the SEC.

On this episode of the BBM podcast, I spoke with Coach Jackson about his decision to leave Memphis and return to Mizzou Baseball. We spoke candidly about the history he is making, the impact on his family, and the challenges of coaching at the highest level. He is truly a tremendous leader and one of our favorite all-time guests on the BBM podcast. You will certainly learn a lot from this episode.

As always, please subscribe, rate, and share the BBM podcast. Follow everything Black Baseball Mixtape on Instagram.

It's an exciting time for baseball fans. Opening Day rosters are out!

With that, we can start to get an estimate as to where Black American players stand in the game. The unofficial count is approximately 43 Black American players on opening day rosters. That is only 3.6%. That number represents a drop. There are slightly more Black players in the NL (24) than AL (19). Most Black positions players are starters. Eight teams have 0 Black American players on their active opening-day roster. There are two teams with four Black American players, that is the most (Pirates & Nationals). Again, this is an unofficial count of just opening-day rosters. These numbers will change as players come off the IL and minor-leaguers get called to MLB. As you can see, there is a lot to be excited about, but more work is needed to ensure Black American players are represented in MLB.

Detroit Tigers prospect Justyn-Henry Malloy is the latest fantastic guest on the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast.

On this episode, JHen talks about his baseball journey, his amazing support system, navigating the challenge of being an elite Black player at the high school level, transferring schools in college, entering the draft, and much more.

Justyn-Henry had an excellent 2022 in the Braves organization. He went from High A to AAA in one season. This offseason, he was traded to the Tigers and listed as the #7 prospect in the Tigers organization.

He is heading to his first major league Spring Training in a few weeks!

You will find Justyn-Henry to be a cool, confident, well-rounded young man. He is hungry and humble, and earnest about being the best baseball player he can be. I am confident once you hear this podcast, you will be a JHen fan, like me.

Side note: The BBM podcast has broken into the top 100 baseball podcasts on the Apple charts. Your support of this project/podcast has been amazing! Please continue to support the Black Baseball Mixtape by subscribing to the podcast and rating the show (5 stars, please).

Tony Reagins is an extraordinary man. He is a member of one of the most exclusive clubs in baseball. He was a Black General Manager, one of only five ever. Mr. Reagins was the fourth Black person to serve as GM when he took over the Angels in 2007. He currently holds two significant roles within MLB: Chief Baseball Development Officer and General Manager of Team USA.

Mr. Reagins is a dream conversation. In our nearly hour-long conversation, we talk about MLB's efforts to increase diversity in baseball. We discuss his journey from intern to GM and what younger front office staffers should consider when seeking to be a GM in the future. With only a few days to the start of the World Baseball Classic, we talk about his role in leading Team USA: everything from hiring the coaching staff to personally calling Mike Trout.

You will want to listen to this fantastic conversation more than once. Mr. Reagins drops gem after gem in this episode. It's one of our favorite conversations of the early year.

Please subscribe, rate, review, and share the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Your support means everything to our efforts.

On this Black Baseball Mixtape podcast episode, I recap my first day at Fanatics Fest in NYC.

We especially thank our partners: Steelo Sports, Herencia 21, Numbers Game Scorecards, Rebellion Harvest, and the Players Alliance.

Contact the Black Baseball Mixtape at BlackBaseballMixtape@gmail.com.

On this special edition of Mixtape Talk, I speak with Memphis University Head Coach Kerrick Jackson.

Coach Jackson is one of the most respected coaches in the fraternity of Black skippers. He has coached at every collegiate level and spent time away from coaching, serving as an MLB scout, baseball agent (with the Boras Corporation), and the President of the MLB Draft League.

In 2017, he led Southern University from 9 wins (2018) to the SWAC Championship and a birth in the NCAA tournament in 2019. In June 2022, at the time of his hire, Jackson became the 3rd Black coach selected to lead a PWI DI program and the first Black coach ever to lead the Memphis Tigers. As he says in the conversation, his selection was not only the right hire based on merit but also a statement appointment for the University and the community of Memphis. This conversation is insightful and fun.

Please follow Memphis Baseball and the Black Baseball Mixtape.

Baseball United founder Kash Shaikh returns to the Black Baseball Mixtape! Flobo Boyce (In the Booth) and Cheats get a full update on the progress of Baseball United. Since last year's visit, Baseball United has been very busy. Kash recently announced that Baseball United is building a brand-new baseball stadium in Dubai: Barry Larkin Field. It will be the first professional baseball field in South Asia and the Middle East.

Baseball United has also announced a trio of significant events over the next year—the Baseball United Inaugural season in 2025. The Baseball United Cup will be held in February 2025, and the BU Arab Classic will be held in November 2024.

In this episode, you will hear directly from the CEO himself. I can't wait for you to listen to this tremendous update.

The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast partners with the Players Alliance, Steelo Sports, Herencia 21, Numbers Game Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest. Please make sure you visit our partners. If you want to partner with the Black Baseball Mixtape, please email BlackBaseballMixtape@gmail.com.

On this episode of In the Booth, Flobo visits with die-hard Rockies fan Naika Grays. Flobo went on a bit of a journey to find a Black Rockies community...and well, community may not be the right term, he found Naika in a Black Colorado Facebook group, and it led to this amazing conversation.

As always, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. In the Booth is the first spin-off of The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, and there will be more as the 2024 season gets underway.

Thanks to our partners Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, and Herencia 21. Please DM BBM on IG if you want to be a sponsor of the fastest-growing Black Baseball podcast in the country.

KSU is the preseason #24 team in the country. On this episode of the BBM Podcast, I am joined by Associate Head Coach Austin Wates. Wates, 35, has been with the KSU program for six years, but this is his first year as Associate Head Coach. During our lengthy conversation, we talk about what it takes to build a program in a Power 5 conference, we talk about the players they need to recruit and develop, we talk about the challenge facing Black players and coaches at the D1 level, and we talk about Coach Wates' unique journey into coaching.

We also have a lot of fun. Coach Wates was a heck of a player. He played college baseball at Virginia Tech and pro baseball with the Astros and Marlins organization.

Our discussion is open and honest. We don't shy away from topics some may not want to discuss, but as always, we talk about difficult topics positively and upliftingly.

Please subscribe to the BBM podcast. Please rate and review the show. If you want to talk about Black baseball daily with a knowledgeable group, please join our FREE discord. To receive the link, you must follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG and send me a DM about the group chat.

Shout out to Steelo Media. Shout out to The Players Alliance. And shout out to Herenca 21.

If you want to talk about Oakland baseball, you can’t get any better than Bip Roberts and Dave Stewart. These two Oakland legends were our featured guests on last night’s BBM IG Live.

Please check out the conversation and subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast. BBM is the fastest-growing baseball podcast dedicated to highlighting Black culture within the game.

#oaklandathletics #oaklandas #oaklandbaseball #blackbaseball #blackbaseballplayers6d

Trey Lipscomb debuted with the Washington Nationals on March 30, 2024. In that game, he recorded a hit and a stolen base. The next day, Trey recorded his first MLB home run. Trey is a friend of BBM. I sat down with him last season in Richmond while he was playing with the Harrisonburg Senators. He chronicled his journey in baseball and provided gems throughout the episode. In honor of Trey's MLB debut, I am re-airing this particular episode.

Special thanks to the Players Alliance, Steelo Sports, and Herencia21.

Please DM BBM on IG to join our FREE discord.

As always, subscribe, rate, and review the BBM podcast.

Del Matthews is MLB's Vice President of Baseball Development.

I know that sounds awesome, but what does that really mean? It means he is one of the few people working at MLB HQ dedicated to ushering in a new generation of Black American players. Through his role at the MLB Development office, he assists programs like the DREAM Series, the Hank Aaron Invitational, and the recently announced Swingman Classic. These programs (and several more) provide elite Black amateurs a taste of pro baseball.

Del, a former pro player, moved to the executive side in 2004. He grinned as an intern for the Cubs, worked for the Arizona Fall League, and ultimately landed in the front office of the Chicago White Sox for six years. He then moved to MLB HQ in 2016.

Del understands what it takes to succeed on the field and in the front office. His path is not for the faint of heart, but it emphasizes what is possible if you identify a goal and remain committed to achieving success. You don't want to miss this podcast.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast everywhere podcasts are available. Rate us and Review us (with 5 stars). And please share the podcast and platform.

Thank you for your tremendous support. Please follow BBM on Twitter @BBallMixtape and IG: @BlackBaseballMixtape

The Black Baseball Mixtape Tuesday crew: Cheats, Flobo, April, and Malik discuss the Dodgers up 3-0 against the Yankees, and the West Coast v. East Coast pregame battle of Ice Cube v. Fat Joe. Fat Joe is getting all the smoke, but you must remember: Yesterday's Price is NOT today's Price.

The Black Baseball Mixtape partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia21, NumbersGame Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest Sunflower seeds.

Subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape everywhere podcasts are streaming, and on YouTube.

This is another amazing episode from my visit to Seattle during All-Star week. This episode is a conversation with Phillies legend Ryan Howard. I sat down with him at the Players Alliance Game Changer Awards. I'm going to assume you already know how dominate of a slugger Ryan was but just in case you forgot:

3× All-Star (2006, 2009, 2010)

World Series champion (2008)

NL MVP (2006)

NL Rookie of the Year (2005)

NLCS MVP (2009)

Silver Slugger Award (2006)

NL Hank Aaron Award (2006)

2× MLB home run leader (2006, 2008)

3× MLB RBI leader (2006, 2008, 2009)

It was an honor to chat it up with Ryan. Please rate and review this episode. Enter for a chance to win the first-ever BBM tee shirt.

You must review the podcast and screenshot your review to us on IG: BlackBaseballMixtape.

New podcast every Monday. Join us on IG Live every Sunday night at 9 PM EST.

This special edition of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast is an excerpt from a panel discussion on hip-hop's impact on baseball. It is a video presentation produced by the Players Alliance and directed by Andre LaDon. It features Eric Davis, CC Sabathia, Edwin Jackson, Lawrence Butler, Jason Bourgeois, and Michal Bourn. The panel was hosted by Van Lanthan and co-hosted by Cheats (BBM). You can watch the entire video on the Players Alliance YouTube page.

As always, thanks to our sponsors Steelo Media, Players Alliance, and Herencia 21.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast and follow our Instagram and X accounts. You can also join our group chat on Discord for free.

On this episode of the BBM podcast, Cheats welcomes Bob Kendricks, the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and one of baseball's most excellent ambassadors and storytellers. President Kendrick has led the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to groundbreaking accomplishments since he assumed the role in 2011, including overseeing the centennial celebration of the Negro Leagues, the overdue integration of Negro League statistics within Major League Baseball, and, most recently, collaborations with MLB on the "Undeniable" animated series, and PlayStation to include Negro Leagues players (and stories) into the popular video game MLB the Show 2023.

Visiting with President Kendrick was a dream for the BBM podcast. Mr. Kendrick hosts the Black Diamonds podcast (the #1 podcast in the country dedicated to Black Baseball). Needless to say, he is extremely busy. We at BBM are genuinely honored that he took this time with us.

Enjoy this fantastic conversation. Please share it with your baseball friends and subscribe to the podcast for more.

Coach Ethan Pollock is heading into his 19th season at Presbyterian College.

He is the longest-tenured Black Head Coach in D1 baseball. On this episode of Mixtape Talk, I chat with Coach Pollock about his unusual journey into coaching. His passion for the game. And, what can be done to increase Black coaches in the college ranks.

There are only five Black head coaches in D1 baseball outside of HBCUs (13 total). This interview completes all five. The Black Baseball Mixtape is honored to present these talks. Please watch all of them.

Please subscribe to this podcast and follow the Mixtape on Twitter and IG.

Emergency Short: This is truly the end of an era on the Southside of Chicago. Allow me a minute to tell you about Kenny Williams.

After three years at Lousiville University, Tyeler Hawkins decided he needed a change. It was either stop playing baseball altogether or transfer to a new school, hoping for a fresh start. He chose to attend an HBCU, Southern University, in the SWAC conference. That decision turned out to be a perfect one for Tyeler. He rediscovered his love for the game and started to have fun again. He called his final college baseball season the most fun he's ever had playing the game. Tyeler batted a team-leading 368 with 9 HR and 48 RBIs. His Southern team played in the Cactus Jack Invitational at Minute Maid Park, the Andre Dawson Classic on National TV, and the SWAC tournament: they even upset the defending National Champions LSU Tigers on the road. Tyeler was selected to play in the MBP all-star game and the upcoming MLB/HBCU Swingman Classic.

On this episode, Tyeler talks to Cheats about his collegiate career (the ups and downs) and his future in baseball. You don't want to miss this fantastic episode.

The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast partners with Steelo Sports, Herencia 21, Numbers Game, and the Players Alliance. Email BlackBaseballMixtape@gmail.com for partnership opportunities.

Chances are - if you're a boxing fan, you've seen Brandon Watson's face. He is one of THE faces of boxing, along with his brother Marcus and his father Sam. But even though you may have seen his face, you probably don't know his story. Brandon Watson took the long way to achieve his dream of being an MLB player, but he did it. At the age of 23, Brandon made his debut with the Washington Nationals in 2005. He homered in his MLB debut. He was a true MiLB legend, batting 355 in AAA, along with a record-setting 43-game hitting streak. He did all he could to stick in the majors, but MLB is a tough business, and his career fluctuated between a few short stints at the top level and a decade-long career in the minors.

On this episode, I had the opportunity to hear Brandon's baseball story. Learn about his involvement with the Players Alliance, and also hear about his work with his brother and father in boxing. Brandon is a humble man, but don't get it twisted, he's one of those plugs that makes things go. The special ingredient, if you will. And if you listen to this podcast, you'll get the sense of just how in tune he is with sports, culture, and entertainment.

Please rate, review, and subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. It's the fastest-growing baseball podcast dedicated to Black culture in the national pastime.

Happy Juneteenth BBM Family!

We're right in the middle of a fascinating College World Series. Here are a few players to watch: TCU's Tre Richardson & Austin Davis, Tennessee's Christian Scott and Christian Moore, Standford's Drew Bowser and Braden Montgomery, and LSU's Tre Morgan.

The games are going on right now in Omaha.

Check out these exciting players.

We're Back! That's right, the Black Baseball Mixtape (BBM) is back from break, and, man, do we have a lot of new episodes coming your way? Most will be short "red carpet style" interviews from my time in the Bahamas for the Players Alliance and Don't Blink Home Run Derby.

On this episode, I pulled Will Benson of the Reds and Jazz Chisholm of the Marlins on the carpet. I'm excited for you to hear from Will, as he is one of the most charitable players in the league. We will soon have Will's full story in an upcoming podcast episode. During the gala, Will picked up a Players Alliance award for his dedication to the mission and contributions to the community.

I was also excited to talk to Jazz. The MLB The Show cover boy is truly the prince of the Bahamas. Most players have a hometown; Jazz has a home country. And he represents so well for the future of baseball.

I hope you enjoy this episode. Please rate, review, and share it around. BBM is the fastest-growing baseball podcast, dedicated to Black baseball at every level. Please continue to support the mission.

Thanks to Steelo, the Players Alliance, and everyone supporting the effort.

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats is joined by Dodgers organization outfielder Bubba Alleyne. Bubba was drafted in the 19th round of the 2022 draft after completing a historic career at the University of Maryland. His career highlights include Big Ten Player of the Year, 2022 Golden Spikes Semifinalist, 2022 Collegiate Baseball First Team All-American, 2022 Baseball America First Team All-American, 2022 NCBWA First Team All-American, 2022 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. I All-Region East Team, 2022 First Team All-Big Ten, 2022 D1Baseball Second Team All-American, and 2022 NCAA College Park Regional All-Tournament Team. He finished his Maryland career second in home runs, extra-base hits and runs scored. I could go on, but I'll stop there.

Even with his on-field success, Bubba still has much to prove. It was not always easy at the University of Maryland. He used his competitiveness, self-confidence, and support system to endure some tough times at College Park. He keeps those principles today as he works to move up the ranks of pro baseball.

This conversation has a little bit of everything. The highs and lows of pro ball, and, of course, we talk about race and the challenges he faces as a Black player in 2023.

Lock in with us. Please rate and review the Black Baseball Mixtape: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-black-baseball-mixtape/id1654357631

Note: Bubba is a very busy man. He did this podcast over his phone. Please forgive the sound quality.

Please follow the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG: @BlackBaseballMixtape and Twitter: @BBallMixtape

Another amazing live playoff check-in with the BBM crew. Troy Justice, April, and Flobo join Cheats to discuss the playoffs to the minute. We discuss the Dodgers' exit, the Astros' dominance, Bryce Harper's staredown, and whether the Rangers can move the rating needle.

It's a hot mess.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on Apple podcast and leave a review on the Apple podcast page.

David James has spent a lifetime encouraging young men and women to "Play Ball." He is the Vice President of Baseball and Softball Development at MLB. He oversees MLB's grassroots efforts, including the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program, better known as RBI.

On this podcast episode, David and I get into everything. I asked him about the RBI program's evolution and the path to encourage more Black and Brown kids to play baseball. I asked him about his love for the game and how it developed over his life. I asked him about their partnerships with MLB, MiLB, and the principal sponsor Nike. David is a wealth of knowledge, and we discuss it all.

This episode is truly a learning opportunity. It's a chance for you to understand the work that goes into MLB Development at the grassroots level. And it's a chance to meet an outstanding leader in David James.

As always, please like, review, and share this episode. BBM genuinely appreciates your support.

The MLB Wild Card rounds are in the books, and we had four sweeps. Congrats to the Phils, Twins, Rangers, and D-Backs. Let's face it — there was not a competitive series in the bunch, so that begs the question that I asked the BBM crew: Flobo and TC: Were the MLB Wild Card rounds a complete bust?

We also played a little game of: Who would you rather be about the upcoming Divisional round, which starts tomorrow.

Keep it locked in all playoffs to the Black Baseball Mixtape.

Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

There was a bit of an audio issue with TC's mic....we'll get it squared away next time.

BBM hit legend status at the 2023 MLB All Star Game in Seattle. I was able to steal some time with Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark. I asked them both about the first-ever Swingman Classic and the work of the Players Alliance. You don't want to miss this short but compelling episode.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast. Please like, subscribe, and share.

@BlackBaseballMixtape on IG

@BBallMixtape on Twitter

College baseball kicked off this weekend. Here are a few players the Mixtape suggests you check out:

TJ McCants, RF, Ole Miss

Enrique Bradfield, CF, Vandy

Drew Bowser, 2B, Stanford

Braden Montgomery, RF, Stanford

Christian Little, P, LSU

Juaron Watt-Brown, P, Oklahoma State

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats welcomes first-time guests Izzy Lugo, the Brewers' Experimental Marketing Director, and Santos, host of The Baseball Aficionado. These two guests discuss a wide range of topics, including the recent passing of Willie Mays, the fan experience at the ballpark, and up-and-coming players to watch.

This a fun episode with a lot of education and opinions. I know you will enjoy it.

Please follow the Black Baseball Mixtape everywhere podcasts are available. If you find it in your heart, rate the show and share it with a friend.

BBM Podcast Re-Air from March 4, 2024: There were plenty of times when Spencer Bivens thought his baseball career could be over, but the right-handed pitcher kept his options -- and his heart -- open to the next opportunity. That determination and drive guided him from Community College to playing overseas, independent baseball, and ultimately signing with the Giants organization. At first glance, the slim, 6'5, 29-year-old - with model looks - doesn't compare much to the fictional journeyman Forrest Gump, but Bivens journey may rival the Academy Award-winning film. On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats visits with Bivens to hear about his journey and talk all things baseball. It's a true story of grit and passion. Bivens is now in mini-camp with the Giants and is picking up innings in Spring Training. His quest is far from over. I'm excited to follow the next chapter.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape. Your comments and ratings are genuinely appreciated.

Special thanks to Steelo Media, the Players Alliance, and Herencia21.

You can contact us at BlackBaseballMixtape@gmail.com or via Instagram.

The Washington Nationals' Jojo Gray is having a tremendous season. The 25-year-old, Right-handed pitcher is posting one the best pitching WAR (Wins Above Replacement) in all of baseball: 3.2. He has a team-high 7 wins, with 102 Ks (to date) and an ERA of 3.27. He was named a 2023 MLB All-Star for the first time, and he pitched a scoreless inning in this year's All-Star game, helping the National League to their first win since 2012.

I briefly sat down with Jojo at the Players Alliance Game Changer Awards. The awards took place Sunday night of All-Star week. MLB All-Star players were getting into Seattle, so it meant a lot for Jojo to attend the event.

We spoke about the importance of the Alliance, his favorite players, best dressed, and who'd he'd like to face in a "Dream" match-up.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Please rate and review the show.

Special thanks to the Players Alliance for helping make this podcast happen.

The homies Clinton Yates and Alex Hyacinthe join the BBM podcast for a live recap of all things playoffs and Black baseball.

This episode goes back to MLB All-Star week and comes live from the Players Alliance Game Changer Celebration. I was on the Black Carpet and interviewed everyone who came through, including Hall of Famer and Game Changer Award Recipient Fergie Jenkins, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and Hip-Hop Legend Ed Lover. This episode is very special because, in a short period, I had the opportunity to ask them about the state of the game for Black and Brown players and what an organization like the Players Alliance means to them.

I'm also honored to announce a brand new podcast partner: Rebellion Harvest. Rebellion Harvest is a Black-owned sunflower seed company based in ATL. We are truly honored to have them as partners along with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, and Numbers Game Scorecards.

Please rate and review this episode, share it with your peers, and subscribe. As always, thank you for your support. It really means a lot.

Flobo anchors the Tuesday night BBM LIVE podcast talk. The episode features April and Troy. They discuss an array of topics surrounding the AL and NL Championship series and a few others, like the Golden Glove finalists nominees.

The Black Baseball Mixtape partners with Steelo Sports, Numbers Game Scorecards, Herencia 21, Rebellion Harvest, and the Players Alliance.

Subcribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape everywhere podcasts are available.

Detroit Stand Up! We got The D's own Werner Blakely on this Black Baseball Mixtape podcast episode. Werner, 22, has moved to primarily 3rd base this spring. He looks to break camp in AA and bounce back from what he described as a challenging 2023. Werner is the first (and only) High School Under Armor All-American baseball player from Detroit. He was drafted in the 4 round of the 2020 draft and signed with the Angels instead of attending Auburn University. Werner quickly succeeded in pro ball, being named an Arizona Fall League Rising Star (All-Star) in 2022. In 2023, he struggled a little at the plate but still managed to swipe 22 bases on 23 attempts. Werner is more focused than ever heading into 2024. You will hear it throughout this podcast: he is determined to have the best season ever. I'm excited to introduce you to Werner and hear about his journey to this point in his career.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast on Apple Podcast and everywhere podcasts are available. Please visit www.BlackBaseballMixtape.com (shop) to pre-order our exclusive Chicago American Giants (Negro League) hat.

Another 2023 Dream Guest is joining us on the Black Baseball Mixtape. Edwin Jackson could be "the most interesting man in baseball." He is a 20-year pro, MLB All-Star, World Series Champion, and Team USA Silver Medalist. He has thrown a no-hitter. He played for an MLB-leading 14 teams. And, he is a founding Board member of the Players Alliance.

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats talks with Edwin about his work with the Players Alliance, his storybook career, and the current state of Black baseball.

The Players Alliance is focused on correcting inequities within baseball at every level. Edwin believes direct action in underserved communities is crucial to this work. The Players Alliance is also working to eliminate the barriers that cause many Black players to be overlooked and ultimately underrepresented in our game.

This episode also covers some legendary players Edwin teamed with throughout his career. We touch on how he utilized his support system during challenging times. And, how he is adjusting to retirement. This is a fantastic episode, loaded with gems and insight. You don't want to miss it.

Please follow and subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on IG: @Blackbaseballmixtape. Subscribe to the Players Alliance @playersalliance and Edwin at @Ejack36.

On this special episode of "In the Booth" with Flobo Boyce, we return to Dubai. Last year, "In the Booth" host Flobo Boyce traveled to Dubai to cover the first-ever Baseball United All-Star Showcase. Former MLB pitcher Reggie McClain suited up for the East All-Stars. Flobo recorded this episode with Reggie in Dubai during the historic showcase. Enjoy this fantastic conversation.

Special thanks to Baseball United for the opportunity and access.

This episode is brought to you by our friends Steelo Sports, Herencia 21, and the Players Alliance.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast for every episode of BBM and "In the Booth, hosted by Flobo Boyce."

To close out the year, Cheats visited with ESPN's Clinton Yates to discuss an extraordinary year for Black baseball.

Yates had a front-row seat to a season that featured a new Black manager (Ron Washington), the first-ever East/West Classic, a Negro League Tribute game at the legendary Rickwood Field, the passing of Willie Mays, and much more.

The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast is brought to you by Steelo Sports, Players Alliance, Herencia21, NumbersGame Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest.

The gang is all here for the 2024 MLB preview and predictions show. Flobo, April, and Malik join Cheats to preview the upcoming MLB season. We talk MVPs, Cy Youngs, breakout stars, division winners, and World Series participants. This is a fun episode with a lot of information.

Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as allowed. If you want to join our FREE BBM group chat on Discord, please message us on IG.

A special thanks to our friends Steelo Sports, Herencia21, and the Players Alliance.

We close the book on the 2024 season with our biggest show yet.

Cheats is joined by Flobo, April, Ced, Darren, Lewis, and some amazing first-time guests Ed (The Dad Hat Chronicles), Donte Miles (Barber's Chair Network), Sha B Allah (Source Magazine), JR Lewis (Black Belt Baseball) and Nick Hamilton (Nitetcastmedia) for the season end extravaganza.

Our extensive guest list joined the show to talk about the 2024 World Series Champion Dodgers. It was a truly fantastic time.

Thank you for a tremendous baseball season.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape everywhere podcasts are streaming, and on YouTube.

The Black Baseball Mixtape partners with Steelo Sports, NumbersGame Scorebooks, Herencia21, Rebellion Harvest, and the Players Alliance.

On this LIVE playoff episode of the BBM podcast, we discuss each divisional series and the bad blood between the Dodgers and the Padres. The crew is here: Flobo, Malik, April, and Cheats. We also talk about the biggest villains in baseball history. Flobo's answer is crazy (lol).

Subcribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast; everywhere, podcasts are streaming.

The Black Baseball Mixtape podcast partners with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, Numbers Game Scorecards, and Rebellion Harvest.

Kash Shaikh is an award-winning storyteller, marketer, brand builder, and entrepreneur. And he had a crazy dream. A dream so large - so grandiose - so monumental that it was hard for even him to grasp the concept truly. The dream was to bring baseball - America's National Pastime - to the epicenter of cricket: the Middle East and South Asia. It is a land with over 2 billion people (1 billion cricket fans), and he wants to do it in a major way. His idea is now called Baseball United, and it's no longer a dream — it's a reality.

Baseball United has four teams: Mumbai Cobras (GM Barry Larkin & Manager Chris Sabo), Karachi Monarchs (GM Adrian Beltre & Manger Miguel Tejada), Dubai Wolves (GM Felix Hernadez & Manager John McLaren), and the Abu Dhabi Falcons (GM Nick Swisher & Dennis Cook). The league held its first-ever draft last month, featuring prominent former MLB players like Robinson Canó, Bartolo Colon, Pablo Sandoval, Didi Gregorius. and Andrelton Simmons.

On this episode, Cheats is joined by Flobo as they welcome Kash to talk all things Baseball United. This episode is informative and fun. It gives you a glimpse into the daily challenges of building a major (international) baseball league from scratch. You don't want to miss this episode.

As always, please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape. Please rate and review the show.

Thanks to Steelo, the Players Alliance, and everyone who helps make the Mixtape possible.

On this special bonus episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, I caught up with one of my very first guests and one of my favorite people in all of MLB, Tyrone Brooks. Tyrone is MLB's Senior Director, Front Office and Field Staff Diversity Pipeline Program at Major League Baseball. That is a very fancy way of saying that his job is to find and help develop the next minority executives in MLB.

I saw Tyrone in Houston, where he spoke to each HBCU team playing in the Cactus Jack about a possible career path after baseball. The unique part was that he told the current players about former players who were in their seats last year and now work in MLB. The program is working, it just needs people to understand, working in baseball may be the right career for you.

If you like this episode, please like, subscribe, and share.

I'd like to thank Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, and Herencia 21.

On this edition of Mixtape Talk, Cheats visits with three-time Emmy award-winning director Randy Wilkins. Randy directed the seven-part ESPN miniseries The Captain, about the life and career of Yankees Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter.

Randy is a fascinating person. A former baseball player himself from the Bronx. Had it not been for an injury, he might have been on the field instead of behind the camera.

During the interview, Randy and Cheats discuss his love for the game, his Yankee fandom, and, of course, Derek Jeter. This is an interview you don’t want to miss.

Please follow and subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape on all social media. And please retweet and reshare this interview. Twitter: BBallMixtape IG: BlackBaseballMixtape

This episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape is special. For the first time, I (Cheats) did the podcast on location at the Diamond, the home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, in Richmond, Virginia. Our featured guest is Dylan Smith, right-handed pitcher; Erie Seawolves.

Dylan is the #15 prospect in the Tigers organization. He played his college ball in the SEC at the University of Alabama. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2021 draft.

Our conversation runs the gambit. We talked about his all-minority travel team (the Monarchs) that helped him fall in love with baseball, some of the challenges he faced in college, and working to improve his skills every day at the pro level.

We also discuss his favorite players, music artists, MLB the Show, and who he would like to face in a dream match-up (spoiler: It's Mookie Betts).

You don't want to miss this conversation.

Please take a moment to subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, rate, and review the show. BBM is the fastest-growing Black baseball podcast in the game. Your support is wanted, needed, and appreciated.

I rarely get the opportunity to feature Black professional players from my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, so I could not pass up the extraordinary chance to have Kyle Battle on the Mixtape. Kyle is a prospect in the Yankees organization. He signed with the Yankees in 2021 as an undrafted free agent following a stellar career at Old Dominion University. Last season, Kyle played for the Tampa Tarpons (A) and the Hudson Valley Renegades (High A).

Kyle is a fantastic young man on and off the field. On this Mixtape episode, we talked about his unique journey to professional baseball, his great support system, and his goals of giving back to the game during and after his playing days.

Like many pro players, Kyle enjoys pro baseball's diversity and international flair. He loves learning about his teammates and being able to play baseball for a living. We'd be rooting for Kyle even if he wasn't from Richmond, VA, but it's an added bonus that he is. VA STAND UP - TWO UP - TWO DOWN.

Justyn-Henry Malloy debuted in the MLB last week with the Detroit Tigers. He got his first hit in his third game, a Home Run. JHen was among the first pro players to appear on the BBM podcast in February 2023. It's a tradition to re-air episodes when BBM players debut (See Samad Taylor and Trey Lipscomb). I'm excited to re-air this episode because it is loaded with gems. JHen really gave young players a game in this episode, and you'll be able to learn more about him, his family, and his character.

Justyn-Henry is a special young man with an incredibly bright future. We are so excited for him and wish him much success in The Show.

The BBM podcast is presented in partnership with Steelo Sports, the Players Alliance, Herencia 21, and Numbers Game.

Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast everywhere podcasts are available.

Sherman Johnson, AKA Coach Sherm or Sherm, is a natural leader. He's played at every level of baseball and became a hitting instructor with the Orioles last year. This season, at the age of 33, Sherm accepted the position of Upper-Level Hitting Coordinator.

Sherm works with every level within the organization. While he is gaining experience daily, I was in Norfolk to see him work with the hard-hitting Tides. I marveled at his ability to relate to the young prospects while commanding their attention during instruction. He has earned respect among the vets, who are very close to his age. Sherm is a sure-fire future manager one day. I'm sure you will enjoy this episode.

Steelo Sports and Herencia21 bring this episode to you—a special thanks to the Players Alliance.

Please subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Please rate and review our show. You can follow BBM on IG @BlackBaseballMixtape.