Dusty Baker on Baseball’s Diversity Problems: ‘I’m Telling You, It’s Terrible’
Dusty Baker, the iconic former Major League Baseball (MLB) manager, has added his voice to the growing concern over the lack of diversity in baseball. Expressing significant alarm about the sport’s current demographic state, Baker highlights a disturbing decline in African American representation, both on the field and in key decision-making roles within the MLB. Since the end of the 2025 season, the league has seen 10 managerial hires, nine of which have gone to white individuals.
“I’m telling you, it’s terrible,” Baker lamented. He recalls a time when African American representation was more robust and stresses the pressing need for opportunities for minorities to assume leadership roles. Despite MLB’s initiatives aimed at increasing minority involvement in baseball, skeptics like Baker remain unconvinced of meaningful action being taken, criticizing the hollow cycle of discussions about equality, most notably during annual Jackie Robinson Day events.
A Declining Diversity in the Dugout
The issue at hand is not just about current managerial appointments but also about broader trends reflecting significant shifts over decades. The percentage of African American players on MLB rosters has plummeted to a mere 6.2% as of 2025’s Opening Day, a dramatic drop from 19% in 1995. While total minority representation, including Latino and Asian players, sits at a considerable 40.8%, this does not extend to high-level managerial or executive positions, where diversity remains scarce.
An illustrative example of this imbalance was visible at the recent MLB general manager meetings, where Dana Brown of the Houston Astros was the sole person of color among top executives representing all 30 teams. Brown, however, is one of the positive results of the Selig Rule, a policy established to encourage teams to consider minority candidates for leadership roles. Despite the Selig Rule’s good intentions, the practice often leads to superficial interviews with minority candidates who see little real traction towards employment.
MLB’s Diversity Initiatives: Progress or Window Dressing?
In response to criticisms concerning diversity, MLB has launched a series of initiatives intended to draw in talent from underrepresented communities. Programs such as the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) and the DREAM Series are specifically designed to attract and develop young talent. Furthermore, strategic efforts like the “Take the Field” program aim to diversify front office roles and coaching by expanding candidate pools.
Despite these efforts, the sincerity and effectiveness of MLB’s diversity policies remain in question. Critics point to the removal of explicit diversity references from the league’s career page following a federal executive order, raising doubts about the league’s commitments. Nevertheless, MLB maintains that its dedication to inclusivity remains steadfast, with ongoing focus on social-impact programming.
The Local Angle: Impact on the Community
The issues Dusty Baker raises are not just significant within baseball’s internal operations but resonate deeply within broader communities, including local neighborhoods across America. In areas like San Francisco, where Baker once managed the Giants, a lack of diversity in leadership roles within the local MLB team can significantly impact community interest and involvement in the sport, potentially limiting the perception of opportunity for young athletes from minority groups.
Shana Daum, senior vice president of communications and community relations for the Giants, asserts efforts have indeed been made to prioritize diversity and inclusion within the organization. With roles like Roscoe Mapps as chief diversity and inclusion officer, the Giants are confident they are making strides towards a more inclusive team environment.
Future Implications and the Path Forward
For progressive change to occur in MLB, Baker insists on the necessity for MLB ownerships to earnestly engage with minority candidates, shifting beyond superficial diversity dialogues. As Dana Brown echoes, “Opportunity is the key word,” and until the leadership demographics of MLB resemble the diverse communities they represent, the call for action remains loud and clear.
In light of persistent issues facing diversity in baseball, communities are encouraged to remain vocal and advocate for fairness, equal opportunity, and access at all leadership levels within the industry. For interested parties, local forums and online resources are available to engage with initiatives that aim to close this gap.
Ultimately, the pursuit of diversity in baseball’s managerial and executive levels is about honoring the legacy of icons like Jackie Robinson and ensuring that progress in representation does not stagnate but leads to tangible opportunities, fair hiring practices, and true inclusivity across the sport. As Dusty Baker continues to champion these causes, the road to greater diversity in baseball is being charted, yet significant strides are still needed.
