MLB and USA Baseball's '21 Dream Series wrapped up yesterday with a lively panel about social issues after converting to four days of virtual presentations this year. The series typically is a showcase event focused on the dynamics of pitching and catching for high school elite athletes of color, predominantly Black, from across the country during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. This year, MLB expanded it by providing a virtual setting to hundreds of amateur athletes, coaches and fans. MLB VP/Baseball Development Del Matthews told MLB Network that because they could not gather as they usually do in Tempe, Ariz., they took advantage of the virtual format, offering "a lot of energy and passion" to more people than usual. Participants received daily presentations from current and former players, past participants and other industry professionals. The panel discussion yesterday titled "MLK Tribute/DREAM Series Wrap" streamed live on MLB.com and featured CC Sabathia, former MLB manager Jerry Manuel and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick. All other panels were exclusive to invited attendees and media. Notable guests included Brewers P Devin Williams and Mets P Marcus Stroman; former MLBers LaTroy Hawkins and Charles Johnson; former managers Ron Washington (currently Braves 3B coach) and Mike Scioscia; and minor league players and college level reps, among many others.
PANEL HIGHLIGHTS: "The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends toward justice," Manuel said, quoting Dr. King. "I would say that we are now in that bend. ... But that's getting ready to end. We're getting ready to get back to justice for everybody. We've been carrying a parasite in this country for a long time, and that's supremacy." Kendrick: "We can't be selfish. It can't be, 'I've got mine, now you go ahead and get yours.' No. 'I've got mine. I've got to reach back and bring you along now.'" Matthews added, "We talk about a symphony of brotherhood with all the people that were able to be a part of what we have done. ... It's a privilege to be able to take part in it, to put this together for young kids." Invited participants included current attendees and alumni of MLB-USA Baseball diversity-focused development programs; members of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program and MLB Youth Academies; and girl baseball program participants in the Breakthrough Series, MLB Grit and the Trailblazer Series, among others. Since '17, the Dream Series has consisted of 194 total participants, including current high school players and graduates. Among them, 18 graduated and are now playing professionally and 96 graduated and are now playing collegiately. The remaining 80 are currently in high school.
