Josh Dodds, M.Ed’s Post

The Future of Baseball in the Black: A Call to Champions 🌟⚾ The journey of baseball in our community isn't just about enhancing coaching techniques; it's about amplifying our capacity through substantial financial backing. In the game of baseball, just as in life, we aren’t here just for fun—we're here to win. To achieve this, we need an approach as dynamic and diverse as the Marvel Avengers. 🛡️🌍 Our vision requires the collective prowess of skilled Black men capable of everything from coaching on the field 🧢 to advocating on global stages 🌐, and even weaving the principles of faith into the fabric of our strategies. These are not just players; they are pioneers, setting the stage for future generations. I am steadfast in my role within this transformative movement, dedicated to keeping my path clear and secure for those who will walk it after me. In this game, consider me the Ace of Diamonds—ready to lead and determined to win. 💎✨♦️ Join Us in Shaping the Future Connect with the LEAD Center For Youth (https://lnkd.in/dn8ddBTP) and get in the game with Minority Baseball Prospects (https://lnkd.in/eExygMQt). Together, let’s champion the cause of Baseball in the Black, building a future where our young athletes not only play the game but also win at the game of life. 📸 Rodney Cofield,Jr.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we are celebrating #blackinnovators and #leaders and all they have contributed. Today we're highlighting #JackieRobinson , who was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Do you know what team he played on? Be the first to answer in the comments below!

True leadership often involves resilience, creativity, and the ability to adapt to challenges. Strong leaders will find ways to navigate obstacles, inspire their teams, and achieve their goals, even in difficult situations. This mindset is what often sets successful leaders apart—they focus on solutions and persevere until they reach their objectives.

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Yesterday, the world lost a legend when Willie Mays passed away at the age of 93. #SayHeyKid He was always bigger than baseball, although his prodigy level understanding and skill in the game of baseball meant that he was not only a generational player, but one of THE most influential players in baseball history. And yet - 4% of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, who vote on MLB Hall of Fame candidates, believed that he was not a first ballot Hall of Famer (which is still UNBELIEVABLE and yet somehow not at all) when he only got 96% of the vote. He passed away before he could witness history being made, as tomorrow, the SF Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will play the first MLB game at Alabama's Rickwood Field, which is the oldest professional ballpark in the country and the former home of the Negro Leagues' Birmingham Black Barons. Notably, Mays started his baseball career here, in the Negro Leagues, before joining the New York Giants. Also notably, this will be the first game in MLB history to have an all-Black umpire team. These five umpires are the only active Black umpires currently in MLB; in the history of the National and American leagues, there have only been eleven (!!!) Black umpires. Ever. As many of us pause to remember #Juneteenth today, it's important not only to understand the impact of June 19, 1865, but how it, the Civil War, and systemic racism continues to impact Black Americans today, in 2024. Even in things that people may feel matter less, such as the sport of baseball. They matter, because they reflect society, opinions, growth, and change - or lack thereof. If this is history you're not familiar with, it's really important to do the work now (which likely involves some unlearning in order to learn), so you understand how we got from 1865 to 2024, and how we move forward - collectively, or not at all. RIP, Willie Mays. Thank you for showing us what was possible, and for lifting all of us along the way.

⚾️Baseball + Legacy To honor his father, former baseball Commissioner Vincent is endowing the Yale baseball coach’s salary. His father was a captain of the baseball and football team at Yale while he himself was a graduate of Yale Law School. "I wanted to do something that would mean something to him and tie him to Yale baseball, which he loved…I think his prominence at Yale had something to do with my being so very interested in sports," Vincent said. One of the greatest aspects of my job is getting to help clients craft how they want their life to impact generations to come because no two legacies are alike. This article reflects a great example of what leaving a legacy can look like. Leaving a legacy is not merely defined by leaving behind an estate. It is an intentional, purpose-driven process usually defined by creating a lasting and significant impact on the world that reflects accomplishments, values, and influence. Hats off to you Commissioner Vincent for your dedication to leaving a legacy which will impact Yale baseball for decades to come! #financialplanning #legacyplanning #baseball

Most people don't get drafted in the first round and stay a starter their entire career. Most people need to work their way up the roster in their particular field to even have a chance. Seamlessly coming out of nowhere and scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter to put your team over the top just means tireless work over the years. Keep putting in the work and stay focused on your goals. No matter what, don't give up. #motivation #desire

This talk examines some of the multifaceted aspects of the Negro league baseball renaissance. It documents the Negro league revival, which has been expressed in myriad, sometimes surprising forms, and considers some of its cultural and historical sources. My comments, however, are just a prelude to a public conversation I want to have with people attending the Colloquium. What do people think it means that so many people are now (relatively) knowledgeable about long forgotten or neglected Black baseball teams and players? https://wp.me/p2F2y5-gBl

With his unique insight into Gen Z and the future workforce, Coach Henderson leaves audiences with valuable tools to lead in any industry. He stresses that teams are merely a reflection of their leader and explains how to lead by example, removing yourself from an island and showing your team you are in it with them.