http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9186117/why-african-americans-play-pro-baseball The committee members need to see the industry of youth baseball for what it has become: A business enterprise designed to exclude those without the means and mobility to participate. Over the past 15 to 20 years, the proliferation of pay-for-play teams in youth baseball -- and the parallel proliferation of parents willing to pay for them and coaches willing to cash their checks -- has had more of an impact on African-American participation than anything another sport has to offer. THIS. You want to understand why african american youth dont participate and stick with youth baseball? Its because the cost outweighs the benefit in the short-term, not the long-term, and the cost makes the long-term unattainable. http://www.theplayerstribune.com/left-out/ read McCutchen's story. Its more about family economics than pretty much anything else. baseball has become more suburban over the years, making it tougher for inner city youth to participate in leagues. On top of that, the NFL and NBA champion their inner city programs, so if you had to choose between programs that are easily and readily accessible, where you see your peers finding success? no question.