Shohei Ohtani Didn’t Become Great By Accident. Here’s How We Can Support African American Players in the Same Way

Baseball has deep roots in American history, and African Americans have been playing since the game’s inception in 1845. But despite this rich legacy, we’re witnessing a troubling decline in the number of Black players in Major League Baseball (MLB). Many focus on the financial barriers pricing young Black athletes out of the sport. While this is certainly a major issue, there’s an equally critical, often overlooked factor—social capital.

Yes, the cost of equipment, travel teams, and specialized coaching has skyrocketed, making it difficult for families without financial resources to keep their kids in the game. But the problem isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about access to social capital. Social capital is the web of relationships, mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, and advocacy that opens doors and creates opportunities for young players. In baseball, these connections are often what separate the athletes who get a chance from those who don’t.

There’s a prejudice in baseball—whether overt or subtle—where Black players are often not the preferred race. They’re frequently passed over for opportunities, and this bias doesn’t just come from a lack of talent; it’s rooted in a lack of access to the right networks and advocates. Without strong mentorship, coaching, and sponsors who are willing to champion their cause, many talented Black athletes fall through the cracks. Social capital changes that.

This is where the intentional development that we see in places like Japan offers a valuable lesson. Shohei Ohtani is an example of what can happen when there is a deliberate effort to nurture and empower young athletes through a culture of excellence. In Japan, baseball is woven into the social fabric. Players like Ohtani aren’t just developed technically; they are supported socially, with coaches, sponsors, and mentors guiding their journey every step of the way. 

That’s the kind of culture we need for African American players here in the U.S. We can’t just throw money at the problem; we need to build a strong social foundation for these young athletes. At LEAD Center For Youth, our 6 A’s—Attitude, Awareness, Adjustments, Aptitude, Athleticism, and Aggressiveness—serve as the building blocks of this culture. It’s not just about making them better players; it’s about equipping them with the mindset, support system, and relationships they need to succeed.

Financial capital provides the resources, but social capital unlocks the doors. When young Black athletes are supported by mentors, coaches, and advocates who believe in them, they gain the confidence and opportunities to thrive in the game and beyond. That’s what our LEAD Ambassadors Program is about—developing not just Major League Players, but Major League Citizens.

As we look to restore African American representation in baseball, we must focus on more than just money. We must commit to creating a culture of support that includes financial backing, yes, but also the social networks and relationships that propel young athletes forward. Shohei Ohtani didn’t become great by accident; he was developed intentionally within a strong baseball culture. African American players deserve the same.

By addressing both financial and social capital, we can change the narrative and ensure that Black boys have the opportunity to succeed in baseball and life. Let’s not just develop better athletes—let’s develop leaders and citizens who are equipped to take on the world, on and off the field.

CJ Stewart is the Chief Visionary Officer and CoFounder  of L.E.A.D. Center For Youth, a direct service, sports-based youth development non-profit organization that uses the sports of baseball and tennis to teach Black youth in Atlanta how to overcome three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty and racism. Stewart, a former Chicago Cubs Outfielder, has achieved unmatched success in the player development industry with over 22 years of experience developing some of the game’s top amateur, collegiate and professional players. Connect with him on Instagram @iamcjstewart

In today’s youth sports environment, the word “coach” carries a significant weight, both on and off the field. But did you know that before it became synonymous with sports, coach had a much different meaning? As John Kelly explains in his article Coach: Word Origin, the word took a metaphorical turn in the 1830s when students at Oxford and Cambridge Universities in England began using it to describe private tutors. As Kelly puts it: 

“These tutors, so the metaphor goes, acted like vehicles that would successfully convey or carry pupils to their academic destinations.”

Over time, the term coach evolved to refer to athletic trainers and instructors in other aspects of life. And just like the tutors who guided students to academic success, coaches today aim to carry their athletes to success, not just through sports but through personal development. For coaches to truly be successful, they need athletes who are *coachable*—those willing to be guided, listen, and adapt. But in the current $39 billion youth sports industry, coachability is often overlooked.

The Coachability Batting Order

In baseball, there are nine positions on the field, and each athlete brings their own unique strengths to the game. Similarly, in coachability, there are nine critical traits that make an athlete receptive to coaching and capable of growth.

Here’s my lineup for the coachable athlete:

1. Lead-Off Hitter: Listening with Empathy – Athletes must absorb feedback with understanding, considering both their own improvement and their teammates’ needs.
2. 2nd Batter: Communicating with Clarity and Truth – Honest, clear communication builds trust and strengthens relationships between coaches and players.
3. 3rd Batter: Being Accountable – Taking ownership of mistakes and areas that need improvement is a key trait of growth-minded athletes.
4. Clean-Up Hitter: Demonstrating Self-Discipline – Athletes who consistently put in the work, without needing external motivation, are the backbone of any successful team.
5. 5th Batter: Being Adaptable – The ability to adjust and try new approaches makes an athlete versatile and valuable.
6. 6th Batter: Maintaining Focus – Staying mentally locked in during practices and games, even when distractions arise, is crucial for success.
7. 7th Batter: Having Humility – Recognizing that there is always room for improvement, no matter how skilled an athlete is, keeps them grounded and open to coaching.
8. 8th Batter: Showing Resilience – The most coachable athletes bounce back stronger from failure, understanding that setbacks are part of the learning process.
9. 9th Batter: Being a Team Player – Ultimately, coachable athletes place the team’s success above their own, contributing to a culture of unity and shared goals.

The Defensive Lineup of Being Uncoachable

Just as there are traits that make athletes coachable, there are also *defenses* that some players put up, preventing them from benefiting from coaching. Much like the defensive positions in baseball, these behaviors stop players from reaching their full potential.

Here are the nine “defensive” traits of the uncoachable athlete:

1. Pitcher: Ego – The most damaging trait, ego stops an athlete from receiving feedback because they think they already know everything.
2. Catcher: Defensiveness – When athletes perceive feedback as personal criticism, it shuts down communication and growth.
3. 1st Baseman: Inconsistency – Athletes who don’t bring the same level of focus or effort to each practice and game never reach their full potential.
4. 2nd Baseman: Resistance to Change – Stubbornness in sticking to old habits, even when they’re not working, prevents growth.
5. Shortstop: Lack of Self-Awareness – Players who can’t see their own weaknesses or areas for improvement will never make meaningful progress.
6. 3rd Baseman: Blame-Shifting – Athletes who point fingers at others instead of owning up to their own mistakes are uncoachable and toxic to team culture.
7. Left Fielder: Complacency – Being satisfied with “good enough” keeps players from reaching for greatness.
8. Center Fielder: Fear of Failure – Athletes who are too scared to fail won’t take the necessary risks to grow and improve.
9. Right Fielder: Entitlement – Expecting success without putting in the hard work undermines the entire process of coaching.

Bringing It All Together

Just as a coachman in the 19th century would guide their passengers to their destination, today’s sports coaches are tasked with guiding athletes toward success—both on the field and in life. But for athletes to make the journey, they must be willing to let down their defenses and trust the process. Being coachable is about embracing feedback, staying accountable, and recognizing that growth requires both effort and humility.

In a world where youth sports have become a $39 billion industry, true coachability is often lost. But as both coaches and athletes, it’s essential to remember that the journey to success isn’t just about talent. It’s about the willingness to listen, learn, and adapt—just as the original coachmen helped guide their passengers to their destinations.