Let’s Remember Robinson

In August of 2007 I started my high school coaching career at a small high school north of Orlando called Mount Dora High School. At that moment, I did not know I made history by becoming the first black head baseball coach in the schools existence which began in 1922. You might ask yourself how can this be, a school that has been around for almost 100 years only have 1 black head baseball coach in that time span?

In a sport where the number of African Americans participating has slowly been on the decline, being a black head coach in baseball you are considered a unicorn. Over a 10 year span I coached close to 300 games and have only coached against 2 black head baseball coaches. In the college ranks there is only 1 black head baseball coach in the Power 5 ( Spencer Alan, Northwestern).

When you think of Black History Month (BHM) one of the names that come to mind would be Jackie Robinson. As a player I admired Jackie Robinson for opening the door for me and others that look like me to play the game of baseball. However, as a coach there is another Robinson that I have to thank, someone who tends to get overlooked in the conversation. Frank Robinson opened the door in 1974 by becoming the first African American Manager in the Major Leagues. Frank Robinson manage several major league ball clubs which included the Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos and Washington Nationals. Robinson paved the way for coaches like me to stand in the 3rd base box and teach young men the game I love, and for that I’m grateful.

So as BHM comes to a close, I salute the late great Frank Robinson. Thank you for opening the door for coaches like me. I pray that God gives me the strength and courage to continue your work and become an inspiration to those who come after me. R.I.P Frank Robinson!!!!