Story by
Jordan Walker hopes Home Run Derby inspires more black players
- Story by
- Jordan Walker hopes Home Run Derby inspires more black players
Jordan Walker hopes Home Run Derby inspires more black players appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals wants his win in the Home Run Derby to serve a greater purpose.
Advertisement
Not only does he want it to encourage more young people to play the game , but he also wants it to be a catalyst for more black players to take up the game, per ESPN.
"I mean, I hope it means a lot to them. I want to be a role model for the Black kids, you know, and I want more Black kids in baseball," said Walker, who hit a total of 31 home runs on his 50 swings over three rounds. "Hopefully this raises some awareness."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
"I know a lot of them are playing basketball, football route, but I want them to know the baseball route is open to them, too," Walker said. "And there are a lot of kids that are athletic enough and mentally strong enough — Black kids that can play this game — and I want to see them do it."
Advertisement
This year, the percentage of black players increased to 6.8% from 6.2 in 2025.
MLB has seen a drastic decline in black participation since the mid-to-late 1970s. Several factors have contributed to this issue, including financial barriers and a cultural shift to basketball and football.
MLB has put forward initiatives such as the Players Alliance to promote, mentor, and grow the game in the African American community.
The Cardinals have a rich tradition of producing some of the greatest black players. They include Curt Flood, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Bill White, and Ozzie Smith.
Walker is batting .294 with 105 hits, 22 home runs, and 74 RBIs.
Related: How Cardinals' Jordan Walker played in MLB All-Star Game after winning Home Run Derby
Related: Cardinals' Jordan Walker gets expected savage Philly treatment at All-Star Game
