Happy Friday everybody,
Today is Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This holiday was not recognized until 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
The A’s are celebrating by making tonight’s first of four home games against the Los Angeles Angels African-American Heritage Night.
While outfielder Lawrence Butler is the only African American on the current A’s roster, the franchise has employed some of
the greatest Black players in MLB history, from Rickey Henderson (the Man of Steel) to Reggie Jackson (Mr. October), Frank Thomas (The Big Hurt) and Coco Crisp (Mr. Bernie Lean).
Down on the farm, two of the A’s top 10 minor-league prospects, outfielder Devin Taylor and infielder Kuroda-Grauer, hope to add more of an African-American presence to the A’s roster in the coming years.
Overall, MLB still struggles with roster diversity as squads primarily consist of White and Latino athletes.
According to MLB.com, Black players make up 6.8% of active and inactive Opening Day rosters in 2026, marking two consecutive years of growth. This is the highest percentage in nearly a decade, yet more work remains.
The Athletics were deeply ingrained in and involved with the diverse Oakland community during their 57 years spent playing at the Oakland Coliseum. They continue to remain active in the communities of their temporary home of Sacramento and future home of Las Vegas. However, both cities have fewer African American residents than the East Bay, making any community impact there likely less impactful.
Meanwhile, struggling veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs gets the start tonight, looking to reverse his recent slump and get back in the win column After falling short on Pride night earlier this week, it would behoove the Athletics to secure the win on this special day.
A’s Coverage:
- Athletics Drop Series Finale To Pirates 12-4
- As a ballpark rises in Las Vegas, owner John Fisher is pitching his A’s — and himself
- Bally’s is causing problems for the A’s Las Vegas ballpark dream
- How A’s Prospect Wei-En Lin’s Potential Injury Could Impact Trade Deadline Plans
- Why Athletics’ Gelof Hottest Hitter in MLB Right Now
- Alvarado’s return so dominant, he’s inviting a lofty comparison
- Why Front Office And Manager Should Be Embarrassed By Today’s Game
- Some Easy Fixes Rocket Science Aren’t
- Athletics’ Devin Taylor Emerges As All-Around Talent
- Status Report: Uncertainty Persists In 5 Places On The Diamond
- Why A’s Williams Deserves Spot Past Jacob Wilson’s Return
- 7 wild facts from a Vegas show for the ages
- A’s $2 Billion Las Vegas Ballpark Shows Progress With First Roof Truss in Place
- A’s interested in Kris Bubic
- Korach reflects on A’s history in Las Vegas, upcoming move
- Three Things To Watch For The Athletics In June
- Las Vegas is ‘dying for a baseball team.’ Will its locals adopt the A’s?
- The A’s Inability To Play Well At Home Is Embarrassing
- Arnold and Jump are both slinging … anyone else reminded of another A’s duo?
- Three Dark Horse Trade Candidates for Athletics This Summer
- Athletics Early MLB Draft Preview
MLB News and Interest:
- Ranking top 2026 MLB trade deadline candidates: Skubal, more
- 2026 MLB mock draft: Our expert makes every first-round pick
- MLB Home Run Derby to ditch clock, revive swing-based system
- 10 All-Star candidates who deserve more love in the polls
- Trout headed to IL with hamstring strain amid resurgent season
- Brewers’ Priester to have season-ending thoracic outlet surgery
- Royals trade for RHP Randy Dobnak from Mariners
- Blue Jays place Max Scherzer on injured list with back spasms
- Phillies Option Andrew Painter
- Digging into 5 Trade Deadline hot topics
- Angels Acquire Tyler Heineman
- Here’s a prospect pushing for a promotion from each team
- Guardians Place Chase DeLauter On Injured List, Recall Kahlil Watson For MLB Debut
- Freak accident with therapy band could sideline Tigers outfielder Wenceel Pérez
- Austin Wynns Elects Free Agency
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
A’s top prospect Leo De Vries continues to hold his own in Double-A. He remains on track to reach Triple-A Las Vegas sooner than later, which would be the last stop on his supersonic ascent through the minor leagues.
The A’s pitching staff continues to give up runs at an alarming rate. It is a testament to the team’s offense that they are entering the weekend with a nearly .500 record, which outperforms their expected record of 32-42 based on runs scored and allowed.
Zack Gelof’s re-emergence as an everyday starter and major contributor has arguably been the Athletics’ biggest bright spot so far this season.
What do you think of this draft proposal as well as the corresponding one for international players?
