At a time when diversity at MLB's "highest levels of management continues to be an embarrassing problem," Commissioner Rob Manfred and his staff are "attempting to push through an ambitious culture shift at every level of a sport still run largely by older white men," according to Dave Sheinin of the WASHINGTON POST. Last week’s winter meetings were a "watershed moment for what MLB calls its 'social responsibility' outreach, with the launch of several new initiatives, among them: a presentation on inclusion, delivered to all minor league farm directors; another on environmental sustainability in ballpark operations; a Supplier Diversity Summit panel, designed to recruit minority-owned business to partner with MLB; a 'Women in Baseball' networking reception; and [MLB Senior VP/Baseball Operations Kim] Ng’s panel on careers in baseball." MLB Chief Legal Officer Dan Halem, one of the authors of the new anti-hazing policy, said, "On big things like diversity and social responsibility, you have to keep beating people over the head at meetings. Baseball people are so busy, and they’re so focused on other stuff, you have to keep reinforcing it in whatever you do. That’s why the winter meetings are a good place for it." Sheinin notes for longtime MLB observers, a "simple walk around Gaylord National during the winter meetings was enough evidence that a shift is happening." There appeared to be "more minorities and women on site than ever before" (WASHINGTON POST, 12/14).
