Chapter 17 (LeUnes): Minority Athletes Psychology of Sport Oct 21-23, 2009 Classes #23-24

At the turn of the 20 th century, Rube Foster, a star pitcher for several African American teams, envisioned a baseball league for blacks that would rival the white major league, eventually forcing full recognition and inclusion of African American ballplayers. With partner John Schorling, Foster formed in 1911 the Chicago American Giants, setting the foundation for the creation of a black baseball league. At the turn of the 20 th century, Rube Foster, a star pitcher for several African American teams, envisioned a baseball league for blacks that would rival the white major league, eventually forcing full recognition and inclusion of African American ballplayers. With partner John Schorling, Foster formed in 1911 the Chicago American Giants, setting the foundation for the creation of a black baseball league.

The African-American Athlete

Jackie Robinson

Other black athletes who broke barriers...

African American Participation in Sport (2000) 78% of NBA 78% of NBA 67% of NFL 67% of NFL 13% of MLB 13% of MLB 2% in NHL 2% in NHL –African-Americans make up about 14% of the US population Why is this occurring? Why is this occurring? –Race/genetic differences? –Cultural differences? –Social differences?

Boxing has been dominated by blacks...

Success of African-American Athletes Kane (1971) Kane (1971) –An assessment of “Black is Best” –Survival of the fittest Coakley (1982) Coakley (1982) –Better physical attributes to be an athlete Holden (2004) Holden (2004) –More of certain enzymes –Different types of muscle fibers There appear to be limitations to these studies There appear to be limitations to these studies

Explanations for Elevated Numbers of Blacks in Sport Genetic Reasons: Genetic Reasons: –Race in US has been joined –Only six genes are linked to color –Can we really eliminate social and cultural differences? Kenyans are excellent distance runner, Nigerians are better sprinters Kenyans are excellent distance runner, Nigerians are better sprinters –Making success seem natural, takes away from effort Perpetuates social beliefs (e.g., work habits, intelligence, physically superior) Perpetuates social beliefs (e.g., work habits, intelligence, physically superior) Cultural Reasons: Cultural Reasons: –Physical skills are more highly valued in AA culture –Little evidence supports this –Greater emphasis is placed on different activities between cultures (not just between races) (i.e., more variability between culture than race).

Social Structural Constraints Occupational Constraints Occupational Constraints –African Americans may view sport as being one of the few avenues to be successful in US society –Many athletic role models

Racial Discrimination in Sport Stacking (Loy and McElvogue, 1970) Stacking (Loy and McElvogue, 1970) –Whites found in thinking and outcome control positions –Whites found in central positions –Blacks found in speed positions –Blacks found in reacting positions (defense) Requirements for participation are higher for Blacks Requirements for participation are higher for Blacks

Stacking in the NFL % of White Players % of Black Players OFFENCE Quarterback Running Back Wide Receivers Center Guard Tight End Tackle Kicker DEFENCE Cornerback Safety Linebacker Defensive End Defensive Tackle Defensive Back Nose Tackle Punter % of all players in the NFL are Black 30% of all players in NFL are White

Results of Stacking –Promote belief of white supremacy –Longer careers for whites –Decreases coaching opportunities –Blacks make less money –Blacks moved from central positions in H.S. and College

Stereotypes still exist... Dodgers’ GM resigned over intelligence comment Dodgers’ GM resigned over intelligence comment

In the media as well... Radio personality Don Imus was fired for calling the players of Rutgers University's women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos." Radio personality Don Imus was fired for calling the players of Rutgers University's women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos."

Hopefully, one day we won’t have any stacking or other race-related issues... 1/4 African American 1/4 African American 1/4 Thai 1/4 Thai 1/4 Chinese 1/4 Chinese 1/8 Native American 1/8 Native American 1/8 White European 1/8 White European

The Hispanic Athlete This ethnic group is making impact in major sports This ethnic group is making impact in major sports Florida Marlins usually around 50% Hispanic Florida Marlins usually around 50% Hispanic

First baseball, next football?

The Asian–American Athlete MLB and the NBA seem to be especially interested in looking to recruit these individuals MLB and the NBA seem to be especially interested in looking to recruit these individuals

Bobby Valentine wants a true World Series... Former Mets’ manager has now managed several years in Japan Former Mets’ manager has now managed several years in Japan

The Native–American Athlete Not much impact yet... Not much impact yet...

Team Mascots

The Gay Athlete No active male role models No active male role models

"I'm not gay. I’m heterosexual.” Rumors of Piazza’s being gay prompted him to call a press conference Rumors of Piazza’s being gay prompted him to call a press conference

Females do have role models... Why the difference? Why the difference?

Gay Athletes More research needed in this area More research needed in this area

Credits 6,12,Overcoming Adversities 6,12,Overcoming Adversities Race%20in%20Sport% ppt#270,5,What race am I…hum….? Race%20in%20Sport% ppt#270,5,What race am I…hum….?