The Black Baseball Mixtape

Dana Brown, the only African-American General Manager in baseball, was fired by the Astros. Kwanza Jones is the first (and only) African-American woman owner of an MLB franchise. Does this make you want to buy Padres gear? And the podcast crew held a tribunal on the Black-on-Black crime: Tommy Pham versus Dane Myers. All of that and more. The Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast is in partnership with the Players Alliance, Minority Prospects, and Numbers Game Scorebooks.

Back in April of 2025, I got my first and only opportunity to meet and interview Butch Huskey. Mr. Huskey was in New York for the Players Alliance Legendary Weekend. The brief interview took place at the Bronx Children’s Museum, where the museum was launching an exhibit that featured Mets and Yankees legends. Mr. Huskey was one of those legends. Special shout-out to former TPA Executive Director Margertte Purvis for her action in making the event happen and bringing Mr. Huskey. Butch Huskey played seven seasons in the MLB. He was a beloved Met and one of the last players to wear the number 42 before it was retired throughout MLB.

Mo Vaughn has never been a small man. He stands 6-1 and, in the height of his playing days, weighed around 225 lbs., mostly muscle. He hit towering home runs and was very light on his feet for a man of his stature. My guess is that if you saw the former 3X All-Star and 1995 AL MVP approaching you in a dark alley, you may walk the other way. But most who know Vaughn know the “hit dog” carries a jovial demeanor. Last weekend, at the Perfect Game All-American Classic, I saw Vaughn in his true element, at the ballpark. He flashed smiles and gave out daps and hugs like the true ambassador of the game he is. Vaughn was the Manager of the PG All-American East Team. The East team featured some of the very best high school players in the country (Class of ‘27), and, according to Perfect Game Rankings, the top two African American players in the game, Chase Fuller (#3) and Kinon Bastian (#4).I visited with Vaughn at Citizen Bank Park for the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast. We discussed his involvement with Perfect Game and his passion for leading young baseball players. We also talked about why there are not more Black coaches in the the professional and college ranks. Vaughn is insightful and passionate. His work at the grassroots level of youth baseball gives him a perspective worth sharing, and I know you will enjoy hearing it.The Black Baseball Mixtape is in partnership with the Players Alliance, Minority Prospects, and Numbers Game Baseball [email protected]

I’ve spoken to Kash Shaikh before. Kash’s mission-driven attitude is infectious, and his enthusiasm is contagious. You may remember him from his two previous appearances on the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. In both episodes, Kash talked about his role as founder and CEO of Baseball United. This visit is different — Kash is different. For the first time in person, I spoke with Kash, now the Chief Marketing Officer for Perfect Game — the largest amateur baseball organization in the country. Kash’s mission is to grow PG both domestically and internationally.Perfect Game is one of those ubiquitous organizations involved in everything amateur baseball. I bet you the majority of all players in MLB have had some interaction with PG at some point in their career. But do you really know how involved Perfect Game is in setting the standard for a multi-billion-dollar youth baseball industry? Let me tell you, PG is heavily involved. But does that mean PG is responsible for the current travel ball structure? Is PG responsible for the cost of every travel organization? The actions of every travel coach? They can’t possibly be responsible for all of that, right? What I can share is that PG takes the hit for a lot of things, good and bad, within the travel ball ecosystem. The honest answer is more complex, so I’ll let Kash explain. PG is indeed the leader within amateur baseball. PG’s decisions affect the entire travel ball landscape. They wear that mantle with pride, but it’s also true that some things are beyond PG’s control.Last weekend, I set out to better understand Perfect Game. This is just the start of my journey. I thank Perfect Game and my friend Kash for sitting down with the Black Baseball Mixtape and sharing this conversation with our community.

On this episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats, Flobo, and April talk about the future of Black Nats All-Star CJ Abrams. Will moving to second base be the end of him in Chocolate City? Also, would you want Joshua Baez' historic debut? Flobo takes on Banana Ball in Denver. Cheats went on assignment to the Perfect Game All-American Classic in Philly, and April is still reminding us who won the last two World Series—all of that and more. The Black Baseball Mixtape is in partnership with the Players Alliance, NumbersGame Scorecards, and Minority Prospects.

Breaking news: Tim Anderson AKA TA7, is saying goodbye to the game. The two-time All-Star, AL Batting Champion, and Silver Slugger leaves a legacy that cannot be denied by anyone who saw him play in his prime. The crew (Cheats, Flobo, April, and Malik) are joined by Guru Earnest Horton of Black Baseball Media (the other BBM - ha) to talk about what TA7 meant to Chicago and to Black culture. The Black Baseball Mixtape is in partnership with the Players Alliance, Minority Prospects, and Numbers Game Scorebooks. Contact the Mixtape at [email protected]

On this very special episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast, Cheats visits with A's signee KJ White Jr. and his father, Coach Kelcey White Sr. The White family shares their journey from KJ's days as a youth player, to KJ playing for his father at the powerhouse Westlake High, to starring at Southern University, and ultimately signing his first pro contract. This is an episode that every young player and parent of a young player should listen to and learn from.The Black Baseball Mixtape is presented in partnership with the Players Alliance, Minority Prospects, and Numbers Game Scorebooks.Contact the show at [email protected].

Cheats and Flobo break down the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Who are the winners, and who are the losers? Did the Rays, Phillies, and Yankees do enough to win the World Series? Should Nationals and O's fans be happy or sad? Are the Dodgers the most unlikable team in MLB? All of that and a closing discussion about the inaugural weekend of the Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL).

Whether you love them or hate them, the Boston Red Sox are the talk of MLB. Between their slow start and now their 15-game winning streak, people don't really know what to make of the BoSox. In full disclosure, I am not a Red Sox fan. I'm an O's fan, and the Sox are in the AL East, so that is their first strike. They are also the last team to integrate -- which has always struck me the wrong way. The Red Sox integrated their team after Jackie Robinson retired. That's wild. And let's not get into the complicated (AKA racist) relationship the Boston fans have with Black players on their team, and that of their opponents. All of that to say, I'm not a Sox fan. But things are looking up. And when I look at the Red Sox prospect list -- I get excited. The Sox feature three African-American pitching arms within the top 10 of their prospect list: #2 Anthony Eyanson, #4 Kyson Witherspoon, and #7 Marcus Phillips. All three come from big SEC programs. Witherspoon and Phillips are 2025 1st Round draft picks, and Eyanson is a 3rd rounder of the same draft class. All possess elite stuff. Witherspoon and Phillips are both in A+ ball, while Eyanson has rocketed to AA and pitched in the 2026 Futures Game. The future in Boston is not only bright, but it may be Black.

The Cincinnati Reds have the chance to make unprecedented MLB history. Hunter Greene and Chase Burns have the arm talent to be the first “Black Ace” teammate duo since integration. Greene is under contract with the Reds until 2030, and Burns until 2033. The sky is the limit for this duo. TRIVIA: Can you name the last set of African American starting pitcher teammates to win 10 games in the same season?

Happy 4th of July! FYB: Better late than never, right? Daylen Lile had a huge game for the Nats, Money Mike came through for the Braves, Teoscar delivered the dagger, and the Cards took the Cubs' lunch money in their own back yard. Please stay safe, stay cool, and stay hydrated this holiday.

The Dodgers went full One Piece on their theme night, and Mookie Betts delivered. Caminero’s streak ended at six, but Mullins continued at three. Jordan Walker and Chase Burns continue to make their case for All-Star selection, and I got my Cardinals Black Heritage jersey…Let’s go!

Happy Thursday Mixtape Family! The Cubs have won five in a row, Junior Caminero has hit six in a row, and the Yankees have lost seven in a row. Also, can we talk about the Black Nats taking on the green monster last night? Let’s do what we do every day, let’s finish our breakfast together.

It’s July 1st AKA Bobby Bonilla Day in MLB! On this episode of FYB: Doc Roberts is the fastest manager in MLB history to 1K, Junior Caminero is the first player in the HR Derby (Yordan Alverez SHOULD be next), and we offer our sincere condolences to friend of the Mixtape Hall of Fame Coach Roger Cador.

Happy Tuesday! Last night, we had a Black Baseball Mixtape Instant Classic between the Twins and Astros: Cam Smith hit 2 home runs, Taylor Trammell hit his 100th career home run, Josh Bell hit a home run, and so did Royce Lewis. It was five home runs from four different players with African-American heritage, and I believe that is a single-game record this season. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Not only that, James Wood hit number 21 last night at Fenway, the Cubs walked it off against Mason Miller, and Shohei hit a ball that hasn’t landed yet. Also, we recorded a brand-new live podcast last night, and I have to ask: Can you truly love a team and hate their owner? Angels and A’s fans, I’m looking at you.

Cheats, Flobo, April, and Lewis Brinson talk about the MLB playoff picture. Are the Rays and the A's good for baseball? Which player would you want from Team DR? The Black Baseball Mixtape is in partnership with the Players Alliance, Minority Prospects, and NumbersGame Scorecards. Please use the promo code: BlackBaseballMixtape on your Numbersgame purchases.

Are you surprised by the rapid rise of the White Sox? I think you have to be. If the MLB playoffs started today, the Sox would be the second seed in the American League. There is a long way to go before the playoffs, but this morning we took a look at the playoff picture.

For the next five (5) years, who would you rather have on your team: Jordan Walker (Cardinals) or James Wood (Nats)?THEY ARE BOTH STARS - no shade to either player, just fun baseball debate. Let me know in the comments.Also, Derek Hill may have made the web gem of the season! All of that and more on today FYB.

Happy Friday! We’re wrapping up a busy week here at the Mixtape. Please check out our first article in the news series “All About the Money,” written by @buttamane.baseball - Are you paying attention to the MLB Combine? Are you paying attention to the Nats bullpen? Did you see Tyler Tolbert on the mound…things are getting out of hand. All of that and more. FYB.

First and foremost, please allow me to start this episode of FYB by honestly and truthfully congratulating the Mets for a successful Black Legacy Night. The Mixtape was not in the building last night, but I believe the crew will be there in the future. Our mission is to share the intersection of baseball and Black culture for all to appreciate. Club access helps, but it’s not a driving force for the mission. With that, it was a huge night in MLB for several of our Mixtape friends: congrats to Mookie Betts on his 300th home run! Samad Taylor, Braden Montgomery, and Khalil Watson all stayed hot. Even Cam Smith flashed the leather in right field. Enjoy the highlights. I will see you tomorrow.

Friends of the @blackbaseballmixtape are showing out all over MLB. Khalil Watson hit his first MLB home run, Nasim Nuñez is the first MLB player to 30 stolen bases, and even my guy Chuckie Robinson is back in the BIGS with the Dodgers. Cam Smith and Taylor Trammell went Black-to-Black for the Astros. And, Jazz is just going to be Jazz. There are no words to describe seeing players you cover achieve their dreams in the Major Leagues. Mixtape Family, our platform is growing and becoming one of the most authentic media platforms for Black baseball at every level of the game. Let’s keep the ball rolling here on IG and Substack. Oh, and Finish Your Breakfast.

I went over the 3-minute IG time limit because I think this message is important and encouraging. Last night’s OU victory was not just a win for Sooner Nation; it was a win for diversity in college baseball - more so, a win for diversity programs in baseball. @mlbdevelops @mbptakeover @astros_ya all had a hand in the fabric of the national championship team. These programs (and others like them) have been grinding for years with little attention, but their efforts are evident throughout the landscape of college baseball. OU had two African Americans in their everyday starting lineup, and both made the MCWS All-Tournament Team (Dasan Harris and Jason Walk). The Mercurius brothers (Xander and LJ) both contributed on the mound in Omaha, along with Jaden Barfield. These contributions at the highest level do not happen in a vacuum. There are parents, coaches, mentors, and programs that create environments where these young men can thrive. Congrats to Coach Skip Johnson and the entire OU staff.

One game will determine it all for the college baseball championship. Who you got: UNC or Oklahoma?

I feel like I owe Oklahoma baseball an apology. They won the Atlanta regional, beating GA Tech. They swept the Super Regional, beating Kansas on their way to Omaha. OU has several African American players on their team, and two in the everyday starting nine, and yet I have not talked about them nearly enough. I feel you, OU. You get the well-deserved spotlight today. OU got a big win against Georgia last night. Georgia will now face Texas in an elimination game. Byron Buxton continues to be unreal for the Twins. Chase Burns is forging a path to the All-Star Game, and PCA hit for the cycle.

Finish Your Breakfast: 6.15.2026 - World Cup fans invade Fenway (didn’t help the Red Sox), Sir Lewis Hamilton gets a win, the Knicks are NBA Champions, and James Wood keeps hitting homers. Let’s go!

The New York Knicks are NBA Champions!And some baseball - but mostly the NEW YORK KNICKS NBA CHAMPIONS!Finish Your Breakfast 6.14.2026

So many highlights, so little time (IG limits reel sharing to 3 minutes): So, big CWS win for WVU. I’ve mentioned this before, but WVU baseball has a recent history of diverse rosters, including several African American players on their teams; S/O to my guy @ttuck_5 for putting me on this game. This year’s WVU team features three Black starters (Guzman, Smith, Hall), and they all put in major work yesterday in Omaha. WVU beat Troy, and UNC beat the University of Mississippi (I’ve recently been put on game and will stop referring to them as O.. M..). In the MLB, Buxton, Wood, Walker, Matthews, Lewis, Naylor, and several more Black players made an impact. And S/O to the USMNT on their dominant debut victory last night. I need that USMNT X VAA backpack fr. Check it all out as you finish your breakfast.

Happy Friday! Who’s ready? World Cup, College World Series, and of course, MLB baseball action. Finish Your Breakfast.

There are a lot of Black baseball highlights to review this morning, BUT who are we kidding? Last night was all about the Knicks and their epic - historic - comeback victory in the Garden. I’m not going to lie, I was depressed by the third quarter. I was in my Knicks group chat not just talking doom for the game, but doom for the entire series. Then history happened. What a comeback. What a team! What a night! Black baseball had a big night all across MLB: James Wood & and Jordan Walker hit bombs (yes, Walker’s is not in the IG highlights…I’ll try to add it to Substack), Cedric Mullins, Cam Smith, Lawrence Butler, Byron Buxton, and Jazz are all in the's FYB, and more! And, how about those White Sox? They are in sole possession of first place in the AL Central. Who could have guessed?

There is a lot to talk about this morning: AUSL Opening Day was last night, and I want to know if you are following the nascent softball league. Let me know in the comments: Are you following the AUSL? Which teams and which players? Some of the most exciting players within the entire softball landscape are involved, but not ALL of them are playing the AUSL. Let me explain: There are six teams in the AUSL, two more than the inaugural 2025 season, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Professional Softball League (PSL). They feature seven teams and some of the best players in the world. The overall net result of the two leagues is that women professional softball players have opportunities like never before. In addition to the AUSL, there was a full slate of MLB games last night. Welcome to the Show, Braden Montgomery! He made a lifelong memory in Chicago. Also, big production from Jordan Walker, James Wood, Byron Buxton, Xavier Edwards, Jazz Chisholm, and more. FYB!

FYB: Tuesday, June 9th: The field for Omaha is set, the Samad Taylor game, the Black Nats with late-inning heroics, and the Knicks’ winning streak is over - I’ll give you one guess who I am blaming.

Happy Monday! Three more teams punched their tickets to Omaha: UNC, Georgia, and Texas. Only two slots remain for the College World Series, and the decision will be made tonight. Is it too early to start really talking about the MLB All-Star Game? Nope, it’s not. Voting is underway, and I’m looking at a lot of American-Born Black players in the mix. Mike Harris, Jordan Walker, CJ Abrams, James Wood, Xavier Edwards, and Taj Bradley are near the top of my list. Drop some additional names in the comments. As always, thanks for your support. Go Knicks! And let’s have a great week.

Sunday, June 7, 2026: Baseball is on fire right now, and Black baseball fans should be excited. Three college baseball teams have already punched their tickets to Omaha, and, forgive WVU, I was not this familiar with your game. @tyrus.hall @mani.ftn & @seansmithll are putting on a show worth the price of admission. Georgia is also worth the watch with @ryanblackkk @tr3phelps and more. Much love to my partners over at @mbptakeover @msptakeover for kicking off their three-city HBCU All-American tour this weekend - North Carolina was a movie; ATL and DET up next. In MLB action, @thereallujamesgroover got his first MLB hit, Jordan Walker continues his 26 All-Star campaign, and welcome back to The Show Lamonte Wade Jr.

A huge Finish Your Breakfast today! It runs over three minutes, so IG will not recommend this reel to new audiences. Please add to your story and share around.This is a special weekend for our partners over at @msptakeover. They kicked off their HBCU All-Star Weekend in North Carolina last night with their 4th Annual HBCU All-Star softball game in Charlotte. I hope you can tell from the photos that the vibes were high and the community was out. Jump over to MSP Takeover for all the details. Black baseball players showed out last night: The Nats' James Wood, Daylen Lile, and CJ Abrams hit homers. Jordan Walker continued his all-star campaign. And Jeremiah Jackson needs even more run (trust me). S/O to WVU baseball: Tyrus Hall and Sean Smith both hit homers in their Super Regional Game 1 win - all of that and more (KNICKS IN 4).

For the second year in a row, the NCAA Softball Championship trophy lives in Austin. Congrats to the Texas Longhorns: Back-to-back National Champions! Salute to the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Nija Canady: runner-ups for the second consecutive year. I can’t say enough about Canady: She has been the face of college softball since she stepped on campus at Stanford (not TT), and has handled all of the hype, conversation, and unrelenting scrutiny with such grace. I am certain this year’s NCAA tournament will continue to break ratings records. What a fantastic showcase for the best of college softball - all of that and more on Finish Your Breakfast.

Summer capacity overload has started! This week: LL playoff game (son plays, I coach), Marlins v. Nats in DC (for the culture), and last night AEW in Richmond. Also, the Knicks were playing in the NBA Finals. Also, Women’s College World Series Championship Game 1, Also, the Knicks are playing in the Finals…did I mention the Knicks!

Tarps off in DC— but it was no match for back-to-back-to-back home runs—a big bop delivered in Cincy by Will Benson. Maysn Winn showed off the cannon, and Jo Adell used his head (sort of). Also, I got to catch up with my guy [power hitter] Xavier Edwards. Finish Your Breakfast: 6.3.2026.

It’s Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and the NCAA Softball Championship is set! It will be an old-fashioned Texas showdown between the Texas Longhorns and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Both teams had to win two games: Texas against Tennessee, and Texas Tech against Alabama. Texas Tech’s star pitcher NiJaree Canady now holds the record for most Women’s College World Series games in history. On the Men’s side, the Super Regionals are set, and they will not include #1 UCLA or #2 Georgia Tech. There were dramatic walk-offs in both the Morgantown and Atlanta Regionals. Not many MLB highlights, but I did spotlight Sox prospect Branden Montgomery, who had a HUGE month of May.

Free Tre Phelps & Finish Your Breakfast - Let’s Go. Mixtape IG Family, Today is definitely a Substack highlight day. If you haven’t jumped over and subscribed (for free), you are missing out. If you are seeing this on Substack: Thank you, and enjoy.

Finish Your Breakfast (or Brunch): 5.31.2026 - All you really need to know right now is that Vahn Lackey hit a ball 468 ft against OU. 468 feet - over the scoreboard at Georgia Tech. Anthony Pack Jr. hit his fourth homer of the regional. And UCLA made an epic comeback to survive and advance. It was a full slate of MLB games too; El Niño finally hit a homer. Jo Adell hit the catwalk at the Trop - and more.

Way too many highlights today for IG. If you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the Black Baseball Mixtape Substack and/or podcast to get the full recap every day, for free. NCAA Baseball Regionals were in full force: Texas Longhorns’ SEC Freshman of the Year Anthony Pack Jr. made Texas baseball history with 3 home runs in his first NCAA Tournament game. He is the first Longhorn in Texas history to do so. There were a ton of upsets, including the #1 team in the country, UCLA, and the #4 team in the country, Auburn. The Georgia Bulldogs set their school record for home runs, and GA Tech scored 17 unanswered runs. Oh, and there was a full slate of MLB action as well. FYB

It’s a short round of highlights this morning, so let’s get to it. Cam Smith made the play of the night in the Astros win over the Rangers. Acuna, Albies, Smith, and Harris powered the Braves over the Red Sox at Fenway. And Murakami keeps hitting, and the White Sox keep winning. Let’s finish our breakfast, shall we?

Finish Your Breakfast (5.28.2026): I see you Juan Soto, and even you can’t make me hate Jalen Brunson (hahaha), even Pope Leo is a Knicks fan. Shohei did what Shohei does last night. Murakami did what Murakami does last night. Byron Buxton did what Byron Buxton does last night. Yordan Alvarez has hit four homers in two games. Yankees ace Gerrit Cole was dominate against the Royals. The O’s got a meaning sweep against the Rays, and the Nats won their series against the Guardians 2-1. The Rangers DFA’ed Andrew McCutchen. I hope he gets on with another team for the remainder of the season.

Lots of games last night and lots of blowouts. Michael Harris II (Braves) and Mookie Betts (Dodgers) both had huge nights. The Dodgers and the Yankees both put up 15 runs. Vaughn Grissom has six RBIs and a grand slam for the Halos. And Chase Burns picked up his 7th win of the season - all of that and more tarps come off, this time in Charm City.

Happy Monday! Caddy returns to Camden Yards. The Astros throw a combined no-hitter. James Wood and C.J. Abrams leave the yard. So do Murakami and Schwarber.All of that and a salute to the Knicks and Gael Monfils.

On this episode, Cheats, April, and Flobo discuss the rise of the White Sox and the fall of the Cubs. Are the Rays, Braves, and A's for real? What division in MLB is the most fun to watch? All of that and a lot of NCAA softball and baseball talk. The Black Baseball Mixtape is in partnership with the Players Alliance, Minority Prospects, and Numbers Game Scorebooks.

Happy Memorial Day. There were walk-offs in the Bronx & MIA, and lots of baseball games to talk about. It’s not cookout weather in Virginia, but if the sun is shining where you are, break out the grill and enjoy the day.

Jordan Walker Sunday Spotlight. Ray J has no business around any ring or fighting anyone. And, how about those Knicks? Oh yeah, this is a baseball show, right? Finish Your Breakfast (5.24.2026).

The tarps continue to come off at MLB ballparks, and I for one ain’t mad at it. On the field, the Braves walk off the Nats. The Twins power by the Sox. The Rocket returns to Fenway. And the Rays grab an important game one over the Yankees.

Happy Friday! Last night was Too $hort bobblehead night for the Oakland Ballers. $hort was on hand, along with The Glove, Gary Payton. Was this the best bobblehead collaboration of the year? On the field, Money Mike Harris hit two out against the Marlins. The Jays and Yankees tie their four-game series. And so did the Mets and Nationals. Corbin Carroll walked it off against the Rockies - I’ve shown way too many Diamondbacks clips this year. And I think Marcus Semien has the worst ABS challenge on record. FYB.