Racial Segregation in Baseball

Two recent studies by sociologists have sought to answer the question: why does racial segregation by position exist in professional baseball? John W. Loy and J. F. McElvogue (1970) believe that this racial segregation by position results from the prejudices of management, who perceive Black players as lacking sound judgment and decision-making ability. According to Loy and McElvogue, Blacks will tend to be underrepresented in central positions (infield, catcher, pitcher) which necessitate social interaction, group acceptability, coordinative tasks, and decision-making. Harry Edwards (1973: 175-237) contends that players at these central positions have a greater opportunity of influencing