Celebrating Black Excellence

No one should ever underestimate the impact of professional sports teams on the communities in which they reside. Teams enliven, inspire, and stimulate the activities of people of all ages. We have seen such an impact by the Orioles here in Baltimore, Maryland. Young people in particular find role models to emulate in the Orioles organization. And this is not just among the players. It is also among those who help run the business and administrative activities of the team. During this month in which the country celebrates Black History, many young people are inspired to see in the Orioles organization, African Americans in finance, management, coaching, and external relations. The message that’s being sent is that one can become not only a professional athlete, but also a professional sports executive. What the Orioles demonstrate is that, just as on the field, talent is found throughout our society regardless of race, color, or creed. That is one of the reasons that I am honored to be part of the ownership group of this great organization.

- The Hon. Kurt L Schmoke

As part of Black History Month, we spoke to members of our front office about what Black excellence means to them and how important diversity is in professional sports.

What does Black excellence mean to you and how do you strive to embody it in your career?

Djavon Dupree — Coordinator, Partnership Activation: Black excellence, to me, is exemplified when a Black individual steps into any space with authenticity, commands respect and achieves their goals with grace and determination. It represents those who, despite being handed only seeds, nurtured them into thriving lemon trees; selling some lemons to build opportunities and using others to create their own success. I strive to embody Black excellence in my career by consistently showing up with purpose and confidently claiming my place in every space I enter.

Chad Tatum — Manager, Domestic Scouting: To me, Black excellence is just excellence. There is not a box or standard for how you define greatness or excellence. Excellence among Black people has been going on since the beginning of time, whether we were "allowed" into those spaces or not. I strive to embody that by facing adversity head on and honoring those who paved the way for my own success.?

Kerry Watson — Executive Vice President, Public Affairs: For me, Black excellence is understanding the struggle and history of those that suffered, fought, and even died before me, and taking up that responsibility to continue to push for equality and equity. Taking that duty does not require anger nor vengeance; it is accepting my role in the advancement of these American “unalienable rights” and continuing to strive to make this union more perfect, even if it’s only in my small community.

Kerry Watson was recently honored by the Baltimore Sun as one of their 25 Black Marylanders to watch.

What role do you think representation, both on the field and in the front office, plays in breaking down barriers in professional sports?

Aaliyah Butler — Senior Coordinator, Public and Player Relations: Black professionals in sports challenge harmful stereotypes by showcasing diverse talents, leadership qualities, and intellectual capabilities beyond the playing field, emphasizing that Black excellence exists in all areas.

Opare Mantey — Account Executive, Ticket Partnerships: Representation plays a tremendous role when it comes to breaking down barriers. When little Black boys and girls see people that look like them thriving on the field and in the front office it gives them the belief that they can do it as well.

Terrance Young — Director Marketing and Advertising: In Elementary school, my music teacher would often tell us, ‘If you can see it, you can be it. If you can think it, you can do it.’ When people see others who look like them accomplishing something meaningful, it sparks the belief that they, too, can achieve their dreams. In college, I was focused solely on on-field action until I met some people from the Philadelphia 76er’s front office; that opened a new world of possibilities for me. Breaking down barriers starts with every person giving someone a chance. I wouldn’t be with the Orioles if I hadn’t been given a shot years ago. That chance could be an internship, a resume review, an introduction, or a job.

Tatum: It's extremely important. Seeing people who look like you gives hope that it's something that you can do, too. It not only boosts confidence but also gives a sense of belonging. Representation is extremely, extremely important.?

Why is it important that we celebrate and elevate diverse perspectives, particularly in professional sports?

Michael Choice — Scout: It simply brings out the best potential of every sport by including all with a fair chance to be a productive and innovative part of the sport.

Mantey: It’s important because having a one-sided perspective will not help the team get better. It takes various perspectives in order for a team to improve. No one person or small group within the team can do everything on their own. A team includes people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, and they are all on the team for a reason.

Tatum: We all have different experiences and backgrounds, which leads to seeing the world, seeing life, and in a professional setting, seeing situations at work differently than your neighbor. It allows for thought-provoking conversation and collaborative decision making that can lead to the best possible results for a team or an organization. We are the sum of our experiences and celebrating different perspectives may provide insights, thoughts, and answers that may not have been thought of otherwise in those decision-making rooms.? ?

Watson: Well, because it is the right thing to do, first and foremost. If we would like to be a nation that actually believes that ‘all men (and women) are created equal’ then we should assume that also means that our perspectives and experiences have equal value. Additionally, there is a business case for celebrating and elevating diverse perspectives. If you are going to maximize the revenue opportunities in sports, it would be an error to ignore 13 percent of the population (63 percent of the population in Baltimore City).

Is there a quote, lesson, or event from throughout Black history that resonates with you personally or professionally?

Diamyn Hall — Mental Skills Coach: "There may be people who have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do" - Derek Jeter.? Growing up, Derek Jeter was my favorite player to study and learn from. To me this quote means that the journey of becoming the best version of yourself isn’t about what you have; it’s about what you do with what you have. There is no excuse for letting anyone outwork you. Your work ethic is one of the few things that's within your full control. Out-prepare. Out-strategize. Out-work. Out-serve.

LA Woodard – Domestic Scouting & Player Development: The quote that resonates with me is, ‘There were better men who walked a tougher road.’ This quote has always given me perspective and motivation to attack each day and the struggles that come with it because it’s been done before.

Watson: In an interview with PBS, James Baldwin said, ‘What is it you wanted me to reconcile myself to? I was born here, almost 60 years ago. I’m not going to live another 60 years. You always told me ‘It takes time.’ It’s taken my father’s time, my mother’s time, my uncle’s time, my brothers’ and my sisters’ time. How much time do you want for your progress?’

Are there any Black trailblazers who inspired your career in baseball and why?

Sherman Johnson — Assistant Hitting Coach/Upper Level Hitting Coordinator: Jackie Robinson is definitely the first one to pop into my head. Others include Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Frank Robinson, and Hank Aaron. The situations and environments these men had to navigate while playing baseball will always inspire me.

Tatum: Baseball has always been my favorite sport because I saw myself in so many players on the field. As I've gotten older and have seen more and more people off the field, in the front office roles, it's really encouraging. My dad was the one who put a baseball in my hand and pushed me to be exceptional on and off the field.

Woodard: Reggie Jackson inspired me in a small conversation I got to have with him during my playing career. I ran into him in the batting cages during pregame and he let me know that if baseball was something I was passionate about I should ‘fight like hell’ to keep it a part of my life.

Young: I could mention many famous Black trailblazers from Barack Obama, Dr. King, Josh Wilson to Mary McLeod Bethune, and countless others. However, the person who has inspired me above all these incredible figures is my mom.? She has always pushed my brother and me to go further than she did. My mom started as a chef at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, became a temp employee, and worked her way up the corporate ladder across various departments – all while serving as a Pittsburgh food bank director. Despite late nights at work and early mornings, she never stopped striving for a better life for us.? Her dedication and perseverance inspired me to achieve my goals and dreams. I am forever grateful for her unwavering support and example.?

How has your culture and heritage shaped your perspective and approach to work in baseball?

Butler: I am the embodiment of a rich legacy, built on resilience, determination, and unwavering strength; a history of desired well-being for all. I feel like this has shaped me into an overall headstrong but caring person, who in my current role, wants the best for our fans, our staff, our players, and their families. I want everyone to succeed and be happy.

Choice: It has given me a huge perspective that we need to have more people of multiple heritages and cultures to continue to grow the game. It also influences me to be able to inspire kids who grew up similar to me that they can reach any goal they want to achieve.

Dupree: My culture has profoundly shaped my perspective and approach to working in baseball. It has instilled resilience, adaptability, and pride, which guides me in navigating challenges and opportunities. My background has given me a deep appreciation for the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of advocacy. This drives me to approach my work with a collaborative mindset, striving to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to contribute.

Mantey: I come from a Ghanaian family. Ghanian people are extremely friendly and welcoming. You can be a complete stranger and if you ask them for help, they will treat you like they’ve known you forever. My culture and heritage has shaped me to be one of the top volunteers in our organization. I’m always willing to help my coworkers in any way I can and volunteer as many times as possible with our team’s volunteer program Orange and Black Gives Back. I love giving back to the youth and my community.

What advice would you give to young Black individuals aspiring to work in sports one day?

Johnson: My advice to any young Black individuals aspiring to work in sports would be to have a growth mindset and be prepared to learn from any and everyone about the game. Be willing to be a sponge.

Dupree: It is not only about who you know, but also who knows you. Take the initiative to speak up and build meaningful connections. People are more willing to help you succeed than you think.

Watson: Do not give anyone an excuse to tell you that you’re not good enough or qualified. If you are striving for a role and don’t get it, go back and ask for feedback. Listen, evolve, and make sure they have no ability to ever say that to you again.

Woodard: I would tell young Black individuals to not be deterred by the different path they may have to take and to wear it as a badge of honor, knowing that you will be better off for it in the long term.

Young: Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Everyone has a different story and don’t be afraid to start somewhere because your start is not your end destination.

What impact do you hope to make for future Black professionals in baseball?

Dupree: My goal is to contribute to a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that young Black professionals feel empowered to pursue and excel in careers where people may not always look like them. I hope to help shape a more accessible and inclusive future for Black professionals in baseball.

Hall: This game has given me so much on and off the field: relationships, opportunities, and life lessons that have shaped who I am. I feel a deep responsibility to pay it forward and give back to the game in multiple ways - one of those ways being to help pave the way for future black professionals however I can. Specifically, within the mental performance industry, I remember 15 years ago noticing there were zero mental performance coaches in professional baseball that were African American. Today, there are three of us in professional baseball out of 101 (less than 3 percent). This is a sign of progress, but a reminder of the work that remains to be done so this field reflects the diversity of the game we love.

Mantey: I hope to be an inspiration and motivation for future Black professionals in baseball. I pitched the first ever HBCU Night shortly after I got hired in March 2022 and managed it once it got approved. This event has continued to grow each year. The purpose was to give the exposure and recognition that HBCUs deserve because they do not have the money, resources, and commercialization that PWIs get, and to raise money for these schools. I hope in the future to have an HBCU Baseball All-Star Game or Tournament associated with this night to help HBCU baseball players get noticed by MLB scouts. I want my efforts to encourage those that come after me to continue to do whatever it takes to grow diversity in baseball.