t's the Midsummer Classic, and we're celebrating the Black baseball legends who made every summer unforgettable.

In this episode of Stolen Bases, we take a trip down memory lane as we honor generations of Black Major League Baseball All-Stars—from the trailblazers of the 1950s and '60s to the icons of the '70s, '80s, '90s, and today's game. These weren't just great players—they were cultural icons who inspired millions, changed the game, and made us proud every time they stepped onto the field.

We also share some of our favorite baseball memories, from Little League and high school games to unforgettable trips to Major League ballparks, summer tournaments, family outings, and the moments that made us fall in love with baseball in the first place.

In our 7th Inning Stretch, we debate the evolution of the Home Run Derby, revisit some of our favorite Derby performances, and answer the question: Who would you put in the greatest Home Run Derby of all time?

Then we close the show with Last Cut, where we tackle one of the toughest debates in baseball:

If you could build your franchise around one Black baseball player in history, who would it be—and why?

Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or someone who simply loves stories about sports, family, and culture, this episode is a celebration of the players, the memories, and the summers that shaped us.

⚾ Subscribe to Stolen Bases on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we celebrate the history, culture, and future of Black baseball.

Because we're stealing more than bases... we're reclaiming history.

In this episode, we explore the deep-rooted culture of baseball in black communities, the decline of black presence in the sport, and the cultural factors influencing participation and perception. We also discuss the importance of style, swagger, and representation in shaping the sport's appeal.

In Episode 3, Johnnie and Coach Tre dive into the legacy of black baseball legends, the importance of developing young talent, and debunk myths about legendary players like Ricky Henderson and Barry Bonds. They also discuss the cultural significance and future of black baseball.

When we think about the integration of Major League Baseball, one name immediately comes to mind: Jackie Robinson. But what if the story we've been told is only part of the story?

In Episode 2 of Stolen Bases, we take a deeper look at one of the most pivotal moments in American sports history. We begin with the story of Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first Black player to appear in the major leagues more than 60 years before Jackie Robinson, and explore why so many pioneers have been left out of the conversation.

Then we examine the complicated legacy of integration. While Jackie Robinson's courage changed baseball forever, what did Black America gain—and what did it lose? We discuss the rise and decline of the Negro Leagues, the disappearance of Black ownership and leadership in professional baseball, and the economic and cultural impact that followed.

We also explore the incredible burden Jackie Robinson carried, the pressure of representing an entire race, and how that compares to the expectations placed on Black athletes today.

Finally, we bring the conversation into the present by asking why Black participation in baseball has declined and what it will take to reconnect the game with the communities that once helped define it.

In this episode:

• The forgotten story of Moses Fleetwood Walker
• Why Jackie Robinson wasn't the beginning
• Integration vs. erasure: What was lost?
• The weight of being "the first"
• Why fewer Black athletes are choosing baseball today
• Can baseball reconnect with Black culture?

And don't miss our Last Cut segment, where we answer the question: If you could witness one moment in Black baseball history in person, which would you choose and why?

Subscribe to Stolen Bases on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we celebrate the history, culture, and future of Black baseball.

Because we're stealing more than bases... we're reclaiming history.