1 00:00:00,720 --> 00:00:04,800 Speaker 1: This is Bloomberg Business of Sports, where in a situation 2 00:00:04,880 --> 00:00:07,360 Speaker 1: that we haven't dealt with in modern times, the pandemic 3 00:00:07,440 --> 00:00:11,280 Speaker 1: here has really accelerated the investments that we've been advocating 4 00:00:11,360 --> 00:00:13,640 Speaker 1: for for a year. From a macro standpoint, I think 5 00:00:13,680 --> 00:00:16,880 Speaker 1: our sport industry is really forced to look at the 6 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:20,079 Speaker 1: business a little bit differently in depth conversations with the 7 00:00:20,239 --> 00:00:23,439 Speaker 1: leaders in the sports industry and sport is a good admiration. 8 00:00:23,600 --> 00:00:25,880 Speaker 1: Were still moving forward with part of something much bigger 9 00:00:25,880 --> 00:00:27,760 Speaker 1: than the sport right now, the health and sadustry of 10 00:00:27,800 --> 00:00:30,600 Speaker 1: our stakeholders are really smart important every moment. I think 11 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:33,280 Speaker 1: we're all from a business respective thinking about the impact 12 00:00:33,280 --> 00:00:36,000 Speaker 1: that the virus is having across the country. In Bloomberg 13 00:00:36,080 --> 00:00:41,200 Speaker 1: Business of Sports from Bloomberg Radio, Hi everyone, I'm Jason Kelly, 14 00:00:41,320 --> 00:00:43,760 Speaker 1: and I'm Mike Lynch and I'm Michael Barr. Over the 15 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:45,800 Speaker 1: next hour, we will explore the big money issues in 16 00:00:45,840 --> 00:00:47,199 Speaker 1: the world of sports and talk to some of the 17 00:00:47,240 --> 00:00:50,040 Speaker 1: biggest players in the industry. All right, guys, lots going 18 00:00:50,080 --> 00:00:55,120 Speaker 1: on in sports, and the masters continues to resonate in 19 00:00:55,240 --> 00:00:58,440 Speaker 1: various ways. I will say my favorite thing, on sort 20 00:00:58,480 --> 00:01:00,560 Speaker 1: of a light note was I don't know if you 21 00:01:00,560 --> 00:01:03,280 Speaker 1: guys saw this on Twitter, but the pictures of the 22 00:01:03,360 --> 00:01:06,200 Speaker 1: champion at the Atlanta Airport with the green jacket like 23 00:01:06,280 --> 00:01:10,600 Speaker 1: slung over the over the chair at Hartsfield. I love 24 00:01:10,640 --> 00:01:14,000 Speaker 1: that so much. Um. But one of the really resonant images, 25 00:01:14,800 --> 00:01:18,440 Speaker 1: a series of images, one positive one negative in a 26 00:01:18,480 --> 00:01:21,760 Speaker 1: way was Lee Elder. Certainly the positive. Let's hear what 27 00:01:21,800 --> 00:01:26,520 Speaker 1: he had to say to me. My heart is very 28 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:30,959 Speaker 1: solve this morning, solve because of the wonderful things that 29 00:01:31,760 --> 00:01:36,320 Speaker 1: I have encountered since since a raven Hire on Monday 30 00:01:36,959 --> 00:01:40,880 Speaker 1: and being able to see some of the great brands 31 00:01:41,440 --> 00:01:44,000 Speaker 1: that I have made over the pace years. First of all, 32 00:01:44,080 --> 00:01:46,880 Speaker 1: let's just talk about Lee Elder for a minute, and 33 00:01:46,880 --> 00:01:48,880 Speaker 1: and I will say, you know, Michael Barr, I was 34 00:01:48,920 --> 00:01:52,400 Speaker 1: grateful to you because when we spoke with Billy Andrei 35 00:01:52,600 --> 00:01:55,720 Speaker 1: last week ahead of the Masters, and we talked with 36 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:59,800 Speaker 1: Brett Polley as well, are Atlanta Beer Chief about what 37 00:02:00,080 --> 00:02:02,320 Speaker 1: is going on, you know, you reference Lee Elder and 38 00:02:02,640 --> 00:02:05,520 Speaker 1: how important he was to the game of golf, and 39 00:02:05,640 --> 00:02:08,760 Speaker 1: it was a very poignant moment um. And then of 40 00:02:08,760 --> 00:02:12,520 Speaker 1: course Lynch, someone's got to come along and ruin it. 41 00:02:12,560 --> 00:02:15,000 Speaker 1: Gary Player was up there with him one of the 42 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:17,600 Speaker 1: two people that Leelder referenced, Jack Nicholas being the other 43 00:02:17,960 --> 00:02:23,000 Speaker 1: of course, and Gary Player's son, come on, man, I 44 00:02:23,080 --> 00:02:26,080 Speaker 1: kind of noticed it when it was happening, and um, 45 00:02:26,120 --> 00:02:29,520 Speaker 1: you know, you don't usually hold a sleeve of balls horizontally. 46 00:02:29,560 --> 00:02:31,480 Speaker 1: You hold him vertically and you take the ball out 47 00:02:31,480 --> 00:02:33,280 Speaker 1: of the top and you put the sleeve back in 48 00:02:33,320 --> 00:02:37,000 Speaker 1: the in the bag. But this he admitted it. Wayne Player, 49 00:02:37,360 --> 00:02:40,280 Speaker 1: one of Gary's sons, said, I thought it'd be cool 50 00:02:40,320 --> 00:02:42,399 Speaker 1: to know what ball my dad was teeing off with. 51 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:46,080 Speaker 1: And this has charged a firestorm. Obviously there's a family 52 00:02:46,120 --> 00:02:49,480 Speaker 1: feud going on with the Players family. His brother Mark 53 00:02:49,800 --> 00:02:52,480 Speaker 1: is not a big fan of his brother Wayne. Um. 54 00:02:52,520 --> 00:02:55,880 Speaker 1: There are reports that unconfirmed, that he has been booted 55 00:02:55,880 --> 00:02:59,440 Speaker 1: off the grounds of Augusta National permanently. But this is 56 00:02:59,480 --> 00:03:02,840 Speaker 1: a brand ball that his dad has formed an alliance 57 00:03:02,880 --> 00:03:06,000 Speaker 1: with Encore. They make a bunch of different balls called 58 00:03:06,080 --> 00:03:08,560 Speaker 1: ver Oh, it's not a big ball that people use. 59 00:03:08,600 --> 00:03:11,720 Speaker 1: I did some research the three most notable people that 60 00:03:11,840 --> 00:03:15,560 Speaker 1: use that ball or Zekeel Elliott, Charles Schwab and Josh Allen, 61 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:17,799 Speaker 1: the quarterback of the Buffalo Bill. So nobody on tour 62 00:03:17,880 --> 00:03:21,080 Speaker 1: is using it, but yeah, I thought was a little disrespectful, 63 00:03:21,280 --> 00:03:24,919 Speaker 1: especially in that particular moment with Lee All They're standing there. 64 00:03:25,000 --> 00:03:27,919 Speaker 1: It was an emotional moment with the players from Pain 65 00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:31,480 Speaker 1: College and a a number of African American UH golf professionals 66 00:03:31,520 --> 00:03:34,079 Speaker 1: in the background. It reminded me of the ninety nine 67 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:36,480 Speaker 1: All Star Game when John Henry Williams made his dad 68 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:38,920 Speaker 1: wear a hat that said hit or dot net in 69 00:03:38,920 --> 00:03:41,520 Speaker 1: a shirt hitter dot net when they took him out 70 00:03:41,520 --> 00:03:43,480 Speaker 1: in a golf cart and he met the greatest living 71 00:03:43,520 --> 00:03:46,840 Speaker 1: players in the history of Major League Baseball. Yeah, and 72 00:03:46,880 --> 00:03:51,520 Speaker 1: of course the the bogus moment as it were, was 73 00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:57,320 Speaker 1: you know, Wayne holding this in holding this sleeve of 74 00:03:57,360 --> 00:04:03,440 Speaker 1: golf balls horizontally and and clearly edging them, uh into 75 00:04:03,800 --> 00:04:05,920 Speaker 1: into the shot, you know, into the live shot, and 76 00:04:06,280 --> 00:04:09,840 Speaker 1: then a lot of the still photos. So um, not 77 00:04:09,960 --> 00:04:13,400 Speaker 1: in good taste. And listen, we know all of us 78 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:15,240 Speaker 1: and and certainly from talking to our friends on the 79 00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:17,960 Speaker 1: p G I the Masters August National, they do not 80 00:04:18,040 --> 00:04:21,440 Speaker 1: mess around. And uh that is that is not cool? 81 00:04:22,320 --> 00:04:26,080 Speaker 1: Man in colleague signal, thanks the stop looks love right 82 00:04:26,200 --> 00:04:31,679 Speaker 1: up and with thirty five seconds ago on the tired 83 00:04:31,720 --> 00:04:37,680 Speaker 1: three game the league. Manning to Burris, Manning to Buris, 84 00:04:38,160 --> 00:04:41,760 Speaker 1: that was historic in many ways. And the reason we're 85 00:04:41,839 --> 00:04:45,080 Speaker 1: like rubbing it in a little bit, sorry, Lynchi, is 86 00:04:45,160 --> 00:04:48,440 Speaker 1: because had you been able to bet, and you were 87 00:04:48,520 --> 00:04:51,920 Speaker 1: betting on the New York Football Giants at that point 88 00:04:52,360 --> 00:04:55,839 Speaker 1: they were a twelve point underdog, Well guess what you 89 00:04:55,960 --> 00:04:59,080 Speaker 1: might be able to do for a future Giants Patriots 90 00:04:59,120 --> 00:05:02,640 Speaker 1: super Bowl, which it seems a little bit laughable at 91 00:05:02,640 --> 00:05:05,440 Speaker 1: this moment in time, but you're gonna be able to 92 00:05:05,480 --> 00:05:09,640 Speaker 1: bet in New York. Michael Barr, are you just I mean, 93 00:05:10,240 --> 00:05:13,280 Speaker 1: is that sound I hear you rubbing your hands together. Yes, 94 00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:15,640 Speaker 1: that's exactly what it is. In fact, I need to 95 00:05:15,680 --> 00:05:18,640 Speaker 1: get some lotion because I have chapped my hands because 96 00:05:18,760 --> 00:05:21,520 Speaker 1: I am excited about this. You know. I know people 97 00:05:21,520 --> 00:05:23,839 Speaker 1: are saying, hey, you know, it's not gambling is not 98 00:05:23,920 --> 00:05:26,640 Speaker 1: my thing, and that's cool, but it's my thing, and 99 00:05:28,360 --> 00:05:31,880 Speaker 1: I it's gonna be a good money maker for New 100 00:05:31,960 --> 00:05:35,279 Speaker 1: York State. Now they're still trying to iron this out 101 00:05:35,320 --> 00:05:38,359 Speaker 1: because they the state wants to kind of run it 102 00:05:38,480 --> 00:05:42,560 Speaker 1: like the lottery, and and the casinos are like, well 103 00:05:42,600 --> 00:05:45,280 Speaker 1: wait a minute, we we gotta figure something out. So 104 00:05:45,360 --> 00:05:49,120 Speaker 1: they gotta work on those things. But yeah, once New 105 00:05:49,200 --> 00:05:52,480 Speaker 1: York State gets there is gonna be probably the biggest 106 00:05:52,600 --> 00:05:56,760 Speaker 1: market for gambling in the nation. Bar will never go home. 107 00:05:56,800 --> 00:06:01,600 Speaker 1: He'll just say he'll nefinite leave the state of New York. 108 00:06:02,440 --> 00:06:06,200 Speaker 1: But for Mrs Barr is like, wow, you're really working late, 109 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:10,120 Speaker 1: working hard here. It's a little bit suspicious of what 110 00:06:10,160 --> 00:06:13,960 Speaker 1: you're doing. It's like, it's just betting. Don't worry, it's 111 00:06:14,040 --> 00:06:17,360 Speaker 1: just betting. Yeah, And that it is notable that they're 112 00:06:17,360 --> 00:06:20,360 Speaker 1: taking a little bit of a different approach because you know, 113 00:06:20,720 --> 00:06:25,480 Speaker 1: folks are skeptical about, you know, betting in in some 114 00:06:25,560 --> 00:06:28,839 Speaker 1: ways and sort of the ripple effects across society and 115 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:32,320 Speaker 1: people getting themselves in trouble. Not everyone is as responsible 116 00:06:32,320 --> 00:06:35,840 Speaker 1: as you, um, Michael Bar. So it would be interesting 117 00:06:35,839 --> 00:06:39,240 Speaker 1: to see if this does become a little bit more 118 00:06:39,279 --> 00:06:41,599 Speaker 1: of the model, as you say, based more on the 119 00:06:41,640 --> 00:06:44,920 Speaker 1: lottery system, uh, and not as reliant on on the 120 00:06:44,960 --> 00:06:49,120 Speaker 1: traditional casinos. So we'll see. We'll see Lynchi with the 121 00:06:50,000 --> 00:06:53,400 Speaker 1: selection in the first round of the two thousand nine 122 00:06:53,960 --> 00:06:58,039 Speaker 1: first year Player Draft the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 123 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:04,800 Speaker 1: Selette Michael Trump, Well, that was a historic moment in baseball. 124 00:07:04,839 --> 00:07:07,000 Speaker 1: Feels like we're having a lot of historic moments of late, 125 00:07:07,080 --> 00:07:09,880 Speaker 1: So let's get into all of that with a guy 126 00:07:09,960 --> 00:07:12,360 Speaker 1: who knows it all. We're talking about, Tony Gregancy is 127 00:07:12,680 --> 00:07:16,640 Speaker 1: Major League Baseball's Chief Baseball Development officer. Tony. Really nice 128 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:19,000 Speaker 1: to have you with us. Great could be with you, guys. 129 00:07:19,080 --> 00:07:22,160 Speaker 1: I'm looking forward to the conversation. So let's start with 130 00:07:22,480 --> 00:07:25,640 Speaker 1: that clip. You were the GM that made that call 131 00:07:26,080 --> 00:07:29,239 Speaker 1: for Michael Trout as he was called in the draft, 132 00:07:29,320 --> 00:07:32,000 Speaker 1: So formally, take us back there, take us back to 133 00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:34,600 Speaker 1: you know, that job in baseball as we get into 134 00:07:34,640 --> 00:07:37,760 Speaker 1: this broader conversation of the state of baseball. It was 135 00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:41,800 Speaker 1: a an awesome time for us as an organization, you know, 136 00:07:41,920 --> 00:07:44,960 Speaker 1: that particular moment, you know, the drafting of Mike Trout, 137 00:07:45,120 --> 00:07:48,280 Speaker 1: you know, really started the year before when when we 138 00:07:48,320 --> 00:07:51,200 Speaker 1: traded for Mark to share and to share ended up 139 00:07:51,240 --> 00:07:54,120 Speaker 1: not resigning with with the Angel which really gave us 140 00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:56,480 Speaker 1: an opportunity to be in a position to take Mike 141 00:07:56,760 --> 00:07:59,240 Speaker 1: um in the two thousand and nine draft. And if 142 00:07:59,280 --> 00:08:01,960 Speaker 1: you look at that, if uh, you know Trout is 143 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:04,760 Speaker 1: actually the only player in the room at the at 144 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:07,600 Speaker 1: the draft in New York in secaucus of the MLB 145 00:08:07,720 --> 00:08:12,320 Speaker 1: Networked Studios and UM, I think he was nervous because 146 00:08:13,040 --> 00:08:15,680 Speaker 1: he thought he probably would go sooner than he he did. 147 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:18,320 Speaker 1: But you know, we were fortunate that a lot of 148 00:08:18,320 --> 00:08:21,840 Speaker 1: teams passed up on him and we had the selection 149 00:08:21,920 --> 00:08:25,040 Speaker 1: that year. You know, he was our guy. Our scouting 150 00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:28,520 Speaker 1: staff are, our development people did a great job and 151 00:08:29,080 --> 00:08:33,160 Speaker 1: you know, recognizing the talent um and we made the call. 152 00:08:33,440 --> 00:08:37,280 Speaker 1: Uh a kid from the northeast New Jersey and uh, 153 00:08:37,320 --> 00:08:40,800 Speaker 1: you know, arguably now is the best player in the game. So, 154 00:08:41,240 --> 00:08:44,520 Speaker 1: you know, cool moment for myself and the Angels organization 155 00:08:44,559 --> 00:08:47,400 Speaker 1: and Angels fans. Tony Sir, I don't know where to start. 156 00:08:47,440 --> 00:08:50,320 Speaker 1: There's so many things that you have in your resume. 157 00:08:51,200 --> 00:08:54,240 Speaker 1: Probably the one that jumps out is that in the 158 00:08:54,520 --> 00:08:59,280 Speaker 1: MAMLB history you're one of just six African American g ms. 159 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:02,960 Speaker 1: And you expand on that and what that moment means 160 00:09:03,080 --> 00:09:07,359 Speaker 1: for the game. Yeah, I mean, I it's an accomplishment 161 00:09:07,440 --> 00:09:12,240 Speaker 1: that I didn't take lightly. Uh. I understood, you know 162 00:09:12,520 --> 00:09:17,880 Speaker 1: what it meant in terms of historical UH perspective, I 163 00:09:17,960 --> 00:09:21,320 Speaker 1: understood understood, And just having a conversation with guys like 164 00:09:21,320 --> 00:09:24,640 Speaker 1: Bob Watson. Um, you know what to expect in terms 165 00:09:24,679 --> 00:09:28,600 Speaker 1: of um, interacting with other general managers in the league, 166 00:09:29,040 --> 00:09:33,760 Speaker 1: and negotiating with with agents and and and player relationships 167 00:09:33,760 --> 00:09:37,400 Speaker 1: and and the whole process was just, uh, something that 168 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:40,360 Speaker 1: I didn't take lightly. UM. I thought I was able 169 00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:44,000 Speaker 1: to communicate well and and and establish good relationships around 170 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:46,320 Speaker 1: the game over the years. I've been at that time 171 00:09:46,320 --> 00:09:49,160 Speaker 1: in the game for about seventeen years, and so I 172 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:52,319 Speaker 1: had good relationships. But you know, I didn't take it lightly, 173 00:09:52,360 --> 00:09:55,240 Speaker 1: and and relied on a lot of people for information 174 00:09:55,480 --> 00:09:58,840 Speaker 1: and you know, and and how I would about my business. 175 00:09:59,760 --> 00:10:02,280 Speaker 1: And so I just, uh, you know, rolled up my 176 00:10:02,360 --> 00:10:04,680 Speaker 1: sleeves and kept doing what I what I always did, 177 00:10:04,920 --> 00:10:07,120 Speaker 1: and and that was, you know, trying to work as 178 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:12,199 Speaker 1: hard as I could, be informed, create good information, and 179 00:10:12,240 --> 00:10:15,040 Speaker 1: make sound decisions. You know, a lot of those decisions 180 00:10:15,040 --> 00:10:17,120 Speaker 1: worked out really well, and some of them didn't work 181 00:10:17,120 --> 00:10:19,720 Speaker 1: out so well. But uh, you know, we had fun 182 00:10:19,760 --> 00:10:23,960 Speaker 1: while we were doing it. I think our club was successful, um. 183 00:10:24,080 --> 00:10:26,280 Speaker 1: And you know, we won a hundred games the first 184 00:10:26,280 --> 00:10:28,720 Speaker 1: time in the history of the organization, and I think 185 00:10:28,760 --> 00:10:31,400 Speaker 1: the only time that the Angels have won a hundred 186 00:10:31,400 --> 00:10:33,520 Speaker 1: games in the season, so there was a lot of 187 00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:38,240 Speaker 1: cool moments. But uh, you know, being an African American GM, 188 00:10:38,320 --> 00:10:40,280 Speaker 1: you know, I think I'm the only one in the 189 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:42,559 Speaker 1: history of the game that started, you know as an 190 00:10:42,559 --> 00:10:45,839 Speaker 1: intern and and didn't play professionally but ended up running 191 00:10:45,880 --> 00:10:48,280 Speaker 1: the club. So a lot of cool moments for me 192 00:10:48,360 --> 00:10:51,199 Speaker 1: and my family and and uh, you know something that 193 00:10:51,240 --> 00:10:53,360 Speaker 1: I didn't take lightly. I just want to follow up 194 00:10:53,360 --> 00:10:55,160 Speaker 1: on that you start you wearing this job because you 195 00:10:55,240 --> 00:10:58,360 Speaker 1: work your way up through the Angels organization starting as 196 00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:03,600 Speaker 1: an intern. How any young African American men or women 197 00:11:03,679 --> 00:11:06,600 Speaker 1: will have dreams to be the next Tony Reagan's have 198 00:11:06,640 --> 00:11:08,720 Speaker 1: you encountered since you had that job? And have you 199 00:11:08,800 --> 00:11:12,640 Speaker 1: mentored and advised? You know, there's you know, surprisingly there 200 00:11:12,679 --> 00:11:16,319 Speaker 1: are a number that that want you to go down 201 00:11:16,440 --> 00:11:19,079 Speaker 1: this path but don't don't really know how to do it, 202 00:11:19,920 --> 00:11:22,560 Speaker 1: and um, you know, and that was that was me, 203 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:25,840 Speaker 1: uh you know, back you know, as a as a 204 00:11:25,880 --> 00:11:29,199 Speaker 1: senior out of college in cal State Fullerton, I didn't 205 00:11:29,200 --> 00:11:31,640 Speaker 1: know how to go about, you know, even getting into 206 00:11:31,679 --> 00:11:35,160 Speaker 1: an organization. It was just by by flute that that 207 00:11:35,280 --> 00:11:40,240 Speaker 1: I went down to the Angels, um Angel stadium and 208 00:11:40,240 --> 00:11:44,040 Speaker 1: and did the internship or got the internship with the Angels. 209 00:11:44,840 --> 00:11:47,040 Speaker 1: It was just a friend of mine that that heard about, 210 00:11:47,240 --> 00:11:50,880 Speaker 1: you know, that internship program, and so really access is 211 00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:54,560 Speaker 1: really important. And now at the league we're doing, you know, 212 00:11:54,720 --> 00:11:58,720 Speaker 1: things that are are creating that access, you know, going 213 00:11:58,760 --> 00:12:03,520 Speaker 1: to HBCUs and and interacting with with students at that level, 214 00:12:04,200 --> 00:12:09,400 Speaker 1: um creating internship programs here at the league office and 215 00:12:09,240 --> 00:12:12,280 Speaker 1: and around the thirty clubs. So I think that access 216 00:12:12,280 --> 00:12:15,000 Speaker 1: and that information about you know, how you go about 217 00:12:15,040 --> 00:12:18,360 Speaker 1: getting into into the game is extremely important and something 218 00:12:18,400 --> 00:12:20,800 Speaker 1: that we're doing a better job, you know, as opposed 219 00:12:20,800 --> 00:12:24,520 Speaker 1: to how we were doing it years ago. And so 220 00:12:24,600 --> 00:12:27,520 Speaker 1: fair to say, Tony, that that the conversation has has 221 00:12:27,559 --> 00:12:31,000 Speaker 1: elevated and expanded, especially over over the last year where 222 00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:35,319 Speaker 1: where it feels like even societally and certainly across sports 223 00:12:35,440 --> 00:12:38,920 Speaker 1: and Major League Baseball in particular, we're talking about diversity 224 00:12:38,920 --> 00:12:41,600 Speaker 1: of voices, you know, diversity. You know, just in the 225 00:12:41,679 --> 00:12:46,319 Speaker 1: last uh, you know, twelve fourteen months, you know there, 226 00:12:46,520 --> 00:12:50,040 Speaker 1: you know, there's a heightened awareness of heightened sense of 227 00:12:50,040 --> 00:12:53,800 Speaker 1: of diversity and what diversity, equity, inclusion, you know what 228 00:12:53,920 --> 00:12:56,480 Speaker 1: that all means. You know here at the league. You know, 229 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:59,720 Speaker 1: it's something that we you know, not shied away from. 230 00:12:59,760 --> 00:13:04,160 Speaker 1: We've we've been intentional in terms of creating programming, creating 231 00:13:04,200 --> 00:13:08,920 Speaker 1: opportunities for for African Americans specifically to to to be 232 00:13:09,000 --> 00:13:11,679 Speaker 1: a part of our game. Uh. Some of those things 233 00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:14,840 Speaker 1: are some of those jobs and those opportunities are are 234 00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:17,520 Speaker 1: behind the scenes and not out front, not on the diamond, 235 00:13:17,559 --> 00:13:20,280 Speaker 1: not in the front office, but at the league level. 236 00:13:20,840 --> 00:13:24,360 Speaker 1: And and some of those are are starting to to 237 00:13:25,120 --> 00:13:29,960 Speaker 1: uh pay huge benefits to two organizations. Uh. We see 238 00:13:30,000 --> 00:13:33,480 Speaker 1: a lot of kids now starting to climb um like 239 00:13:33,559 --> 00:13:36,920 Speaker 1: I did many years ago. And it takes it takes 240 00:13:36,960 --> 00:13:40,600 Speaker 1: time and something that we're patient with. But you know, 241 00:13:40,679 --> 00:13:44,160 Speaker 1: we want we want to create as many diverse opportunities 242 00:13:44,160 --> 00:13:47,040 Speaker 1: as we can. And it's something that we've we've been 243 00:13:47,160 --> 00:13:50,960 Speaker 1: intentional about. A commissioner has been very vocal not only 244 00:13:51,000 --> 00:13:55,640 Speaker 1: to um, you know, the front office here at the league, 245 00:13:55,640 --> 00:13:58,840 Speaker 1: but you know the thirty owners as well. So UM, 246 00:13:58,880 --> 00:14:01,760 Speaker 1: you know, we're looking forward to you know, more diverse product. 247 00:14:01,920 --> 00:14:05,200 Speaker 1: Obviously our product on the field is very diverse, but 248 00:14:05,960 --> 00:14:07,960 Speaker 1: you know, in front offenses of a round, the league 249 00:14:08,040 --> 00:14:11,080 Speaker 1: looking at a more diverse product. In honor of Jackie, 250 00:14:11,720 --> 00:14:17,080 Speaker 1: Major League Baseball is taking the unprecedented step of retiring 251 00:14:17,240 --> 00:14:24,560 Speaker 1: his uniform number number forty two in perpetuity. Number forty two, 252 00:14:25,000 --> 00:14:29,120 Speaker 1: from this day forward will never again be issued by 253 00:14:29,160 --> 00:14:37,280 Speaker 1: a Major League club. And that, of course, is former 254 00:14:37,280 --> 00:14:40,800 Speaker 1: Commissioner Bud Sea lig talking about Jackie Robinson Day. It 255 00:14:40,880 --> 00:14:44,240 Speaker 1: was this week. So how appropriate that we are talking 256 00:14:44,240 --> 00:14:48,200 Speaker 1: to the Chief Baseball Development Officer, Tony Reagan. So Tony 257 00:14:48,440 --> 00:14:52,320 Speaker 1: talked to me, It talked to us about Jackie Robinson Day. 258 00:14:52,360 --> 00:14:54,800 Speaker 1: You know, we were talking earlier in the show about 259 00:14:55,320 --> 00:14:59,000 Speaker 1: you know, efforts around diversity. But when you think about 260 00:14:59,160 --> 00:15:05,480 Speaker 1: the the two or three really most historic moments in 261 00:15:05,520 --> 00:15:09,960 Speaker 1: the history of baseball, the signing of Jackie Robinson is 262 00:15:10,040 --> 00:15:13,320 Speaker 1: up there for sure. Tell us what that means now, 263 00:15:13,360 --> 00:15:16,480 Speaker 1: I would argue it's probably the most important moment in 264 00:15:16,480 --> 00:15:19,320 Speaker 1: the history of the game, you know, due to the 265 00:15:19,360 --> 00:15:22,840 Speaker 1: impact that it had on not only the game of baseball, 266 00:15:22,880 --> 00:15:25,880 Speaker 1: but the country. Um. And you know, to get to 267 00:15:25,920 --> 00:15:31,560 Speaker 1: know um Jackie Robinson, um from the perspective that I 268 00:15:31,760 --> 00:15:36,640 Speaker 1: that I know him in terms of Mr Rachel Robinson 269 00:15:36,720 --> 00:15:40,480 Speaker 1: and Sharon and and Preston Gomez, who who worked for 270 00:15:40,520 --> 00:15:43,240 Speaker 1: me back with the Angels and was a coach when 271 00:15:43,240 --> 00:15:45,240 Speaker 1: he was when Jackie was with the Dodgers. And to 272 00:15:45,320 --> 00:15:49,320 Speaker 1: see Preston, you know, talk about Jackie and the things 273 00:15:49,360 --> 00:15:52,880 Speaker 1: that he went through and how he persevered and and 274 00:15:52,880 --> 00:15:57,320 Speaker 1: and and just stayed focused, um in in the face 275 00:15:57,400 --> 00:16:03,880 Speaker 1: of you know, you know, death and and just a tough, 276 00:16:03,960 --> 00:16:09,840 Speaker 1: tough situation. Jackie persevered and and he was he was 277 00:16:10,360 --> 00:16:13,440 Speaker 1: arguably probably the most impactful person in the history of 278 00:16:13,440 --> 00:16:20,080 Speaker 1: our game. And you know, I am really thankful, grateful 279 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:24,240 Speaker 1: for the opportunity to tow that I have because you know, 280 00:16:24,320 --> 00:16:27,640 Speaker 1: none of that happens without Jackie. Every African American player 281 00:16:27,880 --> 00:16:32,400 Speaker 1: that is um in our game, every African American executive 282 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:39,400 Speaker 1: around the league really owes uh, you know, everything, because 283 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:42,160 Speaker 1: without him, none of us have access to this sport. 284 00:16:43,400 --> 00:16:48,040 Speaker 1: I think it's more than just baseball on it's an 285 00:16:48,040 --> 00:16:50,840 Speaker 1: African American. I mean, it helped pave the way for 286 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:54,640 Speaker 1: me to do what I'm doing. And and I have 287 00:16:54,680 --> 00:16:56,600 Speaker 1: to be honest, by the way, every time I see 288 00:16:56,720 --> 00:16:59,920 Speaker 1: the clip of Jackie Robinson stealing home on Yogi Bear 289 00:17:00,080 --> 00:17:02,600 Speaker 1: or I just laughed behind me off because it's like 290 00:17:02,680 --> 00:17:06,760 Speaker 1: that's one of the greatest moments in baseball ever and 291 00:17:06,840 --> 00:17:10,560 Speaker 1: he pulled it off. So I guess to expand on 292 00:17:10,600 --> 00:17:15,440 Speaker 1: what I'm saying is and in honor what NLB has done, 293 00:17:15,480 --> 00:17:18,760 Speaker 1: they've expanded its partnership with the Jackie Robinson Foundation and 294 00:17:18,800 --> 00:17:24,280 Speaker 1: they will include better investment for the UH Scholarship program. 295 00:17:24,320 --> 00:17:27,920 Speaker 1: Can you expand more on that? I mean, it's it's 296 00:17:27,920 --> 00:17:30,600 Speaker 1: a relationship that we've had over the years and we 297 00:17:30,680 --> 00:17:34,240 Speaker 1: continue to strengthen. You know, we believe that the work 298 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:37,080 Speaker 1: that the Foundation has done over the years in terms 299 00:17:37,119 --> 00:17:42,120 Speaker 1: of UM, the scholarship program, UH, the access that that 300 00:17:42,200 --> 00:17:46,880 Speaker 1: the program and the foundation has had in Major League Baseball, 301 00:17:46,880 --> 00:17:49,680 Speaker 1: in terms of you know, young folks that have graduated 302 00:17:49,680 --> 00:17:51,880 Speaker 1: from the program, I've gone on and worked in major 303 00:17:51,920 --> 00:17:57,560 Speaker 1: league clubs and UM. So it's it's an organization that Ms. 304 00:17:57,600 --> 00:18:03,000 Speaker 1: Rachel Robinson that shepherd and lead and has has done 305 00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:06,280 Speaker 1: a remarkable job and Sharon as well if they've done 306 00:18:06,320 --> 00:18:09,399 Speaker 1: a great job and carrying on the legacy of Jackie. 307 00:18:09,480 --> 00:18:12,760 Speaker 1: So UM it's a partnership that Major League Baseball cherishes 308 00:18:12,840 --> 00:18:17,280 Speaker 1: and honors, honors and respects, and it's it's something that 309 00:18:17,320 --> 00:18:19,840 Speaker 1: we you know, we are going to continue to to 310 00:18:20,359 --> 00:18:24,600 Speaker 1: poster and develop over for many years to come. Tony Um. 311 00:18:24,840 --> 00:18:27,080 Speaker 1: Last week a number of players said they were donating 312 00:18:27,119 --> 00:18:29,960 Speaker 1: a portion or a full one game salary to the 313 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:32,720 Speaker 1: Players Alliance. David Price that would be close to two 314 00:18:33,080 --> 00:18:36,000 Speaker 1: thousand UM, Jason Hey were to be about a hundred 315 00:18:36,040 --> 00:18:38,520 Speaker 1: and thirty thousand. Jackie Bradley Jr. That would mean about 316 00:18:38,520 --> 00:18:41,600 Speaker 1: a forty dollar donation to the Players Alliance. We had 317 00:18:41,640 --> 00:18:44,520 Speaker 1: Curtis Grandison on the show last summer when nobody knew 318 00:18:44,560 --> 00:18:47,040 Speaker 1: what was going to be happening when baseball was being rescheduled, 319 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:49,040 Speaker 1: how many games that were gonna play with COVID shut 320 00:18:49,080 --> 00:18:51,560 Speaker 1: it down, and it looked like the Players Alliance might 321 00:18:51,560 --> 00:18:53,280 Speaker 1: have a shelf life of a couple of months when 322 00:18:53,280 --> 00:18:56,000 Speaker 1: they went around the country distributing equipment and trying to 323 00:18:56,080 --> 00:18:59,000 Speaker 1: encourage young people to play. Has a move like this 324 00:18:59,160 --> 00:19:01,760 Speaker 1: really boasted the Players Alliance and they're gonna have legs 325 00:19:01,760 --> 00:19:04,560 Speaker 1: and be around for a long time. I believe they are. 326 00:19:05,600 --> 00:19:10,760 Speaker 1: Curtis has really been um out front um and and 327 00:19:11,160 --> 00:19:15,400 Speaker 1: his business savvy is really important. His organizational skills are 328 00:19:15,440 --> 00:19:19,000 Speaker 1: really really important. So he's done a great job. Uh 329 00:19:19,160 --> 00:19:22,560 Speaker 1: CC has you know, coming off the field, he's jumped 330 00:19:22,640 --> 00:19:25,520 Speaker 1: right in, wants to be involved and engaged. I again, 331 00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:30,000 Speaker 1: when that when Jackson, I think is involved. Um. Camera 332 00:19:30,119 --> 00:19:32,280 Speaker 1: made them a lot of these guys that are really 333 00:19:32,320 --> 00:19:35,800 Speaker 1: passionate about the work, and I'm passionate about the games, 334 00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:39,400 Speaker 1: especially the game. The black community really important, and so 335 00:19:39,480 --> 00:19:42,000 Speaker 1: I think that the Players Alliance will be around for 336 00:19:42,040 --> 00:19:43,920 Speaker 1: many years to come. I think they have the support 337 00:19:43,920 --> 00:19:46,520 Speaker 1: of the league, major League Baseball, and the Major League 338 00:19:46,520 --> 00:19:50,760 Speaker 1: Baseball Players Association, so that's important. There will be, uh, 339 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:55,240 Speaker 1: some moments where you see the Players Alliance getting involved 340 00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:58,879 Speaker 1: and engaged in and and growing our sport, which is 341 00:19:58,920 --> 00:20:02,560 Speaker 1: really important. So you know, I'm excited to work alongside 342 00:20:02,560 --> 00:20:07,000 Speaker 1: and partner with them on various initiatives from the league standpoint, 343 00:20:07,359 --> 00:20:10,080 Speaker 1: and um, you know, we're excited about being able to 344 00:20:10,119 --> 00:20:13,560 Speaker 1: just to help grow the game together alongside the players. 345 00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:16,160 Speaker 1: So Tony, you know, we talk a lot on this 346 00:20:16,200 --> 00:20:21,399 Speaker 1: show about access to sports because it's an economic question 347 00:20:21,800 --> 00:20:24,879 Speaker 1: in many ways. We were talking just recently with a 348 00:20:24,920 --> 00:20:27,720 Speaker 1: pro golfer about it with the game of golf. I 349 00:20:27,720 --> 00:20:30,280 Speaker 1: grew up playing baseball. I think my co host here 350 00:20:30,440 --> 00:20:34,160 Speaker 1: did too. I'm guessing you did as well. UM, And 351 00:20:34,240 --> 00:20:37,280 Speaker 1: even then access it felt like was a little bit easier. 352 00:20:37,520 --> 00:20:41,520 Speaker 1: But in the world of travel ball and everything that's 353 00:20:41,560 --> 00:20:44,360 Speaker 1: going on in the world, it does feel like that 354 00:20:44,480 --> 00:20:48,440 Speaker 1: income gap, that wealth gap manifests itself in youth sports. 355 00:20:48,800 --> 00:20:51,160 Speaker 1: What does baseball do about that? I think you're right 356 00:20:51,200 --> 00:20:55,399 Speaker 1: in terms of UM, you know, access and economics. I 357 00:20:55,440 --> 00:21:00,919 Speaker 1: think those two things do do connect and intersect. UM. 358 00:21:00,960 --> 00:21:04,480 Speaker 1: You know, I think travel ball and travel sports, not 359 00:21:04,560 --> 00:21:09,960 Speaker 1: just baseball, but travel sports in general, UM is a 360 00:21:10,040 --> 00:21:13,240 Speaker 1: blessing and accurse in a lot of ways. Uh, it's 361 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:16,080 Speaker 1: a blessing. And that there are a ton of kids 362 00:21:16,119 --> 00:21:20,280 Speaker 1: around the country, UM that are engaged in the travel 363 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:23,680 Speaker 1: component of our sport, not just baseball, softball, but uh, 364 00:21:23,960 --> 00:21:27,320 Speaker 1: you know, all sports. So that travel piece exists, and 365 00:21:28,960 --> 00:21:31,960 Speaker 1: the cost associated whether it can be a detriment for 366 00:21:32,040 --> 00:21:35,239 Speaker 1: a lot of you know, families, especially those that are 367 00:21:35,320 --> 00:21:38,320 Speaker 1: underserved and don't have the economic means to you know, 368 00:21:38,359 --> 00:21:40,920 Speaker 1: to play our sport. UM. And so what we've tried 369 00:21:40,960 --> 00:21:47,040 Speaker 1: to do is create programs that that take and eliminate 370 00:21:47,080 --> 00:21:51,080 Speaker 1: the economic piece. UH. A lot of costs free programming 371 00:21:51,119 --> 00:21:54,240 Speaker 1: that exists UM. From the Commissioner's Office that we put 372 00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:58,840 Speaker 1: into into practice over the last really five five years, 373 00:21:58,880 --> 00:22:03,080 Speaker 1: that kids don't have to to come up with the 374 00:22:03,640 --> 00:22:06,640 Speaker 1: you know, the dollars that it that it takes to 375 00:22:06,640 --> 00:22:09,800 Speaker 1: to participate. So if you know, one of the things 376 00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,359 Speaker 1: that is extremely important is that we eliminate that that 377 00:22:12,520 --> 00:22:15,760 Speaker 1: cost barrier. So we're trying, we're trying, and we're working 378 00:22:15,880 --> 00:22:19,400 Speaker 1: on on that piece of it because you know, economics 379 00:22:19,480 --> 00:22:24,480 Speaker 1: is important. Um. Not everyone has the kind of financial 380 00:22:24,520 --> 00:22:28,680 Speaker 1: means that you know, those that are able to to 381 00:22:30,720 --> 00:22:34,639 Speaker 1: that those that have uh not everyone has that. And 382 00:22:34,680 --> 00:22:37,119 Speaker 1: if you look at you know, countries like the Dominican 383 00:22:37,400 --> 00:22:41,320 Speaker 1: or Mexico, uh those kids participate, um and they don't 384 00:22:41,359 --> 00:22:45,159 Speaker 1: have the premier equipment, but they're out there planning. So 385 00:22:45,200 --> 00:22:48,359 Speaker 1: we're just trying to get bats and balls and hands, 386 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:51,879 Speaker 1: um creating safe environments in terms of fields to to 387 00:22:52,119 --> 00:22:55,119 Speaker 1: to play our sport and really you know, create that 388 00:22:55,280 --> 00:22:59,280 Speaker 1: access that that young people want. Just coming out outside 389 00:22:59,440 --> 00:23:03,040 Speaker 1: of the pandemic, it'll be really important to to make 390 00:23:03,040 --> 00:23:05,680 Speaker 1: sure that kids have an opportunity to just get outside 391 00:23:05,720 --> 00:23:09,040 Speaker 1: and play, and not necessarily in a in a formal way, 392 00:23:09,119 --> 00:23:11,520 Speaker 1: but just get out and throw a baseball around or 393 00:23:11,560 --> 00:23:14,199 Speaker 1: play cats or play home run Derby. Those things are 394 00:23:14,200 --> 00:23:16,720 Speaker 1: going to be important, um, you know, as we get 395 00:23:16,720 --> 00:23:19,439 Speaker 1: on the other side of this pandemic. I was just 396 00:23:19,480 --> 00:23:22,960 Speaker 1: gonna go on into that because sentences I don't hear 397 00:23:23,320 --> 00:23:24,840 Speaker 1: the way I used to hear when I was a kid. 398 00:23:25,000 --> 00:23:27,000 Speaker 1: We would just simply say, all right, let's get up 399 00:23:27,040 --> 00:23:30,520 Speaker 1: a game or twos upsides, and there we are. We 400 00:23:30,640 --> 00:23:33,280 Speaker 1: go off to the field and and we're off. And 401 00:23:33,960 --> 00:23:37,560 Speaker 1: I don't hear that as much anymore. I don't know 402 00:23:37,600 --> 00:23:40,520 Speaker 1: if it's because we're in a society now, we're we're 403 00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:45,960 Speaker 1: loaded with cell phones and video games. That what is 404 00:23:45,960 --> 00:23:50,280 Speaker 1: the answer to that? Mhm, Mike. I think you make 405 00:23:50,640 --> 00:23:54,240 Speaker 1: a great point. And you know, society has teamed since 406 00:23:54,359 --> 00:23:56,600 Speaker 1: you know, we were we were coming up in terms 407 00:23:56,640 --> 00:23:59,399 Speaker 1: of you know, our parents, would you know, let us, 408 00:24:00,080 --> 00:24:01,919 Speaker 1: you know, go out down the street, play in the 409 00:24:02,000 --> 00:24:04,959 Speaker 1: park and you know, be be home before the lights, 410 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:07,679 Speaker 1: you know, the street lights turned on. And now you know, 411 00:24:07,800 --> 00:24:11,720 Speaker 1: with with you know, various safety concerns, parents you know 412 00:24:11,880 --> 00:24:14,919 Speaker 1: don't let their kids just you know, run down the 413 00:24:14,960 --> 00:24:18,560 Speaker 1: street and go to the parking and play by themselves. 414 00:24:18,560 --> 00:24:22,840 Speaker 1: That and so you know, the really important part is 415 00:24:22,880 --> 00:24:26,440 Speaker 1: that we can create safe environments for for kids to play. 416 00:24:26,480 --> 00:24:28,000 Speaker 1: And I think that that's you know, some of the 417 00:24:28,000 --> 00:24:32,879 Speaker 1: things that we've done, not only with our partnership with 418 00:24:32,880 --> 00:24:35,760 Speaker 1: with the Boys and Girls Club, but the cal rip 419 00:24:35,840 --> 00:24:40,439 Speaker 1: Can Senior Foundation, UM, the Players Alliance. UH. You know, 420 00:24:40,520 --> 00:24:44,520 Speaker 1: all of these organizations understand that, you know, safety first 421 00:24:44,560 --> 00:24:47,720 Speaker 1: and foremost is important, and then creating access you know, 422 00:24:47,800 --> 00:24:51,720 Speaker 1: to our game is the second piece. So UM, you know, 423 00:24:51,920 --> 00:24:53,720 Speaker 1: we were hopeful that we can get to a place 424 00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:58,080 Speaker 1: where that you know, the game is always conducted in 425 00:24:58,080 --> 00:25:01,800 Speaker 1: the safe environment, you know, first and foremost. That's that's 426 00:25:01,840 --> 00:25:06,360 Speaker 1: that's the primary, uh piece of this. And then from that, 427 00:25:06,880 --> 00:25:09,160 Speaker 1: you know, create as many opportunities to play the game 428 00:25:09,200 --> 00:25:15,000 Speaker 1: as we can. Tony are roughly eight per cent of 429 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:18,560 Speaker 1: UH of the rosters and opening day constituted black or 430 00:25:18,640 --> 00:25:22,160 Speaker 1: African American ball players. How do you attract the young 431 00:25:22,400 --> 00:25:26,600 Speaker 1: blackball player today, keep him interested or her interested in 432 00:25:26,680 --> 00:25:30,840 Speaker 1: softball up through the formative years and the developmental years, 433 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:36,280 Speaker 1: through junior high, high school, and eventually maybe into a college. 434 00:25:36,400 --> 00:25:39,359 Speaker 1: You know, what's really really cool is that, you know 435 00:25:39,400 --> 00:25:42,080 Speaker 1: a lot of times I hear, well, African Americans aren't 436 00:25:42,119 --> 00:25:45,760 Speaker 1: playing baseball are not playing football. And you know, I've 437 00:25:45,800 --> 00:25:49,399 Speaker 1: been fortunate to travel the country, you know, over the 438 00:25:49,480 --> 00:25:52,719 Speaker 1: last you know six years and and see, you know, 439 00:25:52,800 --> 00:25:55,440 Speaker 1: programs that are in place where you know, whether it's 440 00:25:55,440 --> 00:25:59,320 Speaker 1: our academies or or the RBI program or just individual 441 00:26:00,160 --> 00:26:04,160 Speaker 1: former players or or you know coaches, high school coaches, 442 00:26:04,640 --> 00:26:09,080 Speaker 1: youth youth coaches and mentors, uh starting their own programs. 443 00:26:09,600 --> 00:26:12,080 Speaker 1: And so you know, I look at the work back 444 00:26:12,240 --> 00:26:16,320 Speaker 1: markis christm has done down in Atlanta, where you know, 445 00:26:16,440 --> 00:26:20,080 Speaker 1: he's taking a program that was really that didn't exist 446 00:26:20,480 --> 00:26:24,480 Speaker 1: to something that's really really robust, where you know, he's 447 00:26:24,520 --> 00:26:29,840 Speaker 1: getting kids that are seven, eight, nine years old and uh, 448 00:26:29,920 --> 00:26:35,400 Speaker 1: you know, training them, growing them, educating them, teaching them 449 00:26:35,400 --> 00:26:38,040 Speaker 1: about the game and not just the game, but about life. 450 00:26:38,640 --> 00:26:40,679 Speaker 1: And then these kids are going on to you know, 451 00:26:40,720 --> 00:26:42,480 Speaker 1: play at the high school level to play at the 452 00:26:42,520 --> 00:26:44,480 Speaker 1: college level, and you know a lot of the kids 453 00:26:44,480 --> 00:26:47,120 Speaker 1: out of that program or are our experience in pro 454 00:26:47,200 --> 00:26:50,639 Speaker 1: ball as well. So UM and those type of programs 455 00:26:50,680 --> 00:26:53,640 Speaker 1: exist all around the country. There's just pockets and it's 456 00:26:53,680 --> 00:26:57,480 Speaker 1: not as as uh connected as we would like. There's 457 00:26:57,600 --> 00:27:01,399 Speaker 1: there is a lot of fragmentation, but there are a 458 00:27:01,440 --> 00:27:03,960 Speaker 1: lot of African Americans playing and you'll start to see, 459 00:27:04,119 --> 00:27:07,760 Speaker 1: as we you know, get in the next few years. Um, 460 00:27:07,800 --> 00:27:12,679 Speaker 1: a consistent wave of African American talent being drafted at 461 00:27:12,680 --> 00:27:15,359 Speaker 1: the highest levels of our sport. And if you can 462 00:27:15,400 --> 00:27:17,399 Speaker 1: just look at the last five years, I think about 463 00:27:17,440 --> 00:27:19,920 Speaker 1: seventeen percent of the kids going in the first round 464 00:27:20,400 --> 00:27:22,800 Speaker 1: our African American. And I think that trend is going 465 00:27:22,880 --> 00:27:24,879 Speaker 1: to not only continue, but I think it's going to 466 00:27:24,920 --> 00:27:30,879 Speaker 1: grow as we move forward. Well, Tony, you know, given 467 00:27:30,920 --> 00:27:33,680 Speaker 1: everything that's going on in the world and in the country, 468 00:27:33,720 --> 00:27:35,159 Speaker 1: that there are a couple of things we wanted to 469 00:27:35,200 --> 00:27:36,639 Speaker 1: make sure we talked to you about. And you know 470 00:27:36,680 --> 00:27:39,720 Speaker 1: you mentioned Marquis Grissom down in Atlanta. I'm an Atlanta 471 00:27:39,760 --> 00:27:42,840 Speaker 1: guy and I've been following everything very closely that that's 472 00:27:42,840 --> 00:27:45,520 Speaker 1: going on down there. I know it was a big 473 00:27:45,560 --> 00:27:48,040 Speaker 1: decision made by a lot of different people and ultimately 474 00:27:48,080 --> 00:27:51,320 Speaker 1: the Commissioner. But talk to us about the importance of 475 00:27:51,840 --> 00:27:55,119 Speaker 1: the All Star Game not being uh in Atlanta owing 476 00:27:55,240 --> 00:27:58,000 Speaker 1: to what's going on down there as it relates to 477 00:27:58,080 --> 00:28:03,080 Speaker 1: these new election laws. Sure, Um, you know, the Commissioner 478 00:28:03,119 --> 00:28:06,200 Speaker 1: made a statement. Um, you know, you know we stand 479 00:28:06,240 --> 00:28:09,240 Speaker 1: by that statement. UM as a relations to the league 480 00:28:09,240 --> 00:28:13,680 Speaker 1: and the league league's position. But what I would really uh, 481 00:28:13,800 --> 00:28:16,239 Speaker 1: you know, commend the commissioner on is the process that 482 00:28:16,320 --> 00:28:19,119 Speaker 1: he went through and me being kind of in the 483 00:28:19,200 --> 00:28:23,280 Speaker 1: room and and and getting some of the feedback that 484 00:28:23,840 --> 00:28:27,040 Speaker 1: and providing some of the feedback to the commissioner as well. 485 00:28:27,720 --> 00:28:31,520 Speaker 1: But the process that he went through, UM, the conversations 486 00:28:31,520 --> 00:28:35,520 Speaker 1: that he had. He didn't make the decision in the vacuum. 487 00:28:35,880 --> 00:28:39,400 Speaker 1: He was very thoughtful and methodical about about the way 488 00:28:39,520 --> 00:28:42,680 Speaker 1: he he went about the decision making process, the people 489 00:28:42,760 --> 00:28:46,080 Speaker 1: he talked to, so he got a wide range of opinions, 490 00:28:46,080 --> 00:28:48,640 Speaker 1: whether it be from you know, former Major league players, 491 00:28:49,640 --> 00:28:54,440 Speaker 1: the Major League Players Association, UM, a lot of uh 492 00:28:54,520 --> 00:28:59,680 Speaker 1: you know, employees. He his process was very very methodical 493 00:28:59,840 --> 00:29:02,320 Speaker 1: and informed, and I think he made the best decision 494 00:29:02,800 --> 00:29:06,080 Speaker 1: for our sport. And you know, we stand by them. 495 00:29:06,520 --> 00:29:09,520 Speaker 1: You were in that room. How much do you believe 496 00:29:09,840 --> 00:29:14,000 Speaker 1: of an impact you had in the helping the commissioner 497 00:29:14,360 --> 00:29:17,920 Speaker 1: make this decision. I just believe that, you know, we 498 00:29:17,920 --> 00:29:22,920 Speaker 1: we all voiced our opinions UM. And he again got 499 00:29:22,960 --> 00:29:25,560 Speaker 1: a lot of different opinions from a lot of different people. 500 00:29:25,640 --> 00:29:28,080 Speaker 1: And I think anytime you know, I go back to 501 00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:31,239 Speaker 1: my g M days. Anytime you're gonna make, you know, 502 00:29:31,400 --> 00:29:34,480 Speaker 1: a decision that is impactful, to have as much information 503 00:29:34,520 --> 00:29:39,200 Speaker 1: at your your fingertips as you can is extremely important. 504 00:29:39,280 --> 00:29:42,120 Speaker 1: And I think he collected a lot of thoughts, got 505 00:29:42,160 --> 00:29:45,560 Speaker 1: a lot of information, and then you know, made you know, 506 00:29:45,600 --> 00:29:47,800 Speaker 1: the best call that he could make. Tony. The c 507 00:29:47,960 --> 00:29:50,480 Speaker 1: B A expires at the end of the season. UM. 508 00:29:50,680 --> 00:29:55,040 Speaker 1: Historically relations have always been contentious between the players, association 509 00:29:55,480 --> 00:29:59,160 Speaker 1: and ownership and coming to a new c B A. UM, 510 00:29:59,480 --> 00:30:01,479 Speaker 1: do you see that changing it all this time around? 511 00:30:03,680 --> 00:30:05,360 Speaker 1: You know, when when it comes to c B A 512 00:30:05,680 --> 00:30:08,600 Speaker 1: and you know this is obviously, you know, not new, 513 00:30:08,680 --> 00:30:11,000 Speaker 1: not a new process. You know, you have two sides. 514 00:30:11,040 --> 00:30:14,280 Speaker 1: You have labor and then you have the business UM, 515 00:30:14,600 --> 00:30:16,480 Speaker 1: and so you know, you know, our hope is that 516 00:30:17,960 --> 00:30:20,640 Speaker 1: both sides could come to an agreement and our game continues, 517 00:30:20,880 --> 00:30:24,880 Speaker 1: uh and flourishes. And really that's that's the extent that 518 00:30:24,920 --> 00:30:28,720 Speaker 1: I would get into, you know, those type of negotiations 519 00:30:28,760 --> 00:30:32,120 Speaker 1: because I think that those are our best left to 520 00:30:32,640 --> 00:30:35,440 Speaker 1: the individuals in the room. A lot of you know, 521 00:30:35,520 --> 00:30:40,280 Speaker 1: outside no noise is not productive for anyone, So I 522 00:30:40,320 --> 00:30:42,760 Speaker 1: would leave it at that UM. I think that you know, 523 00:30:42,960 --> 00:30:45,720 Speaker 1: smart people will make smart decisions in our game will 524 00:30:45,720 --> 00:30:49,440 Speaker 1: flourish because you know, the players and the league will 525 00:30:49,440 --> 00:30:52,880 Speaker 1: come to a strong agreement, you know, Tony. And as 526 00:30:52,920 --> 00:30:54,720 Speaker 1: we wrap up, you know, one thing that strikes me 527 00:30:54,840 --> 00:30:57,920 Speaker 1: is that, you know, this year, this past year, whether 528 00:30:57,960 --> 00:31:00,600 Speaker 1: it be because of the pandemic and all the adjustments 529 00:31:00,640 --> 00:31:03,920 Speaker 1: that various sports, including baseball had to make, whether it 530 00:31:04,160 --> 00:31:08,680 Speaker 1: is a reckoning around racial inequality and racial injustice that 531 00:31:08,720 --> 00:31:12,800 Speaker 1: we've also been discussing, the business is fundamentally changed in 532 00:31:12,840 --> 00:31:15,360 Speaker 1: many ways. And I wonder as you think about baseball 533 00:31:15,400 --> 00:31:19,000 Speaker 1: holistically and and sort of putting on your various hats 534 00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:21,720 Speaker 1: and thinking about your career as a GM and now 535 00:31:22,240 --> 00:31:25,680 Speaker 1: with the league, what do you think changes going forward 536 00:31:25,840 --> 00:31:28,440 Speaker 1: about the business of baseball. What are the things that 537 00:31:28,480 --> 00:31:31,600 Speaker 1: maybe we've learned over the last year that will really 538 00:31:31,720 --> 00:31:35,560 Speaker 1: stick in terms of continuing to grow this as a business. 539 00:31:37,840 --> 00:31:40,400 Speaker 1: A couple of things that I think, you know, especially 540 00:31:40,440 --> 00:31:43,240 Speaker 1: from you know, my side of the business, that you know, 541 00:31:43,320 --> 00:31:46,320 Speaker 1: we really had to look look into and look at deeply, 542 00:31:46,600 --> 00:31:52,440 Speaker 1: was this virtual um experiences, virtual presentation of our sport, 543 00:31:52,920 --> 00:31:57,640 Speaker 1: the virtual connection we were able to really impact over 544 00:31:57,680 --> 00:32:03,440 Speaker 1: the last twelve months impact more young people virtually then 545 00:32:03,520 --> 00:32:07,280 Speaker 1: we had in you know, in person. So that's something 546 00:32:07,320 --> 00:32:12,360 Speaker 1: that we're going to really continue to to UM emphasize 547 00:32:12,400 --> 00:32:15,480 Speaker 1: and work on that that virtual we did virtual training, 548 00:32:16,000 --> 00:32:23,040 Speaker 1: virtual presentations, UH, we've had virtual interactions in terms of conversations. UM. 549 00:32:23,120 --> 00:32:25,920 Speaker 1: We've been able to really stay connected with our young 550 00:32:26,000 --> 00:32:29,360 Speaker 1: people UM in a lot of different and unique ways 551 00:32:29,720 --> 00:32:31,640 Speaker 1: that we weren't able to do or that we didn't 552 00:32:31,680 --> 00:32:35,760 Speaker 1: do prior to the pandemic. Most of that those things 553 00:32:35,760 --> 00:32:39,120 Speaker 1: took place in person. UM. For example, we have a 554 00:32:39,200 --> 00:32:41,880 Speaker 1: program called the Dream Series and we do that every 555 00:32:41,880 --> 00:32:46,840 Speaker 1: week every year. Dr Martin Luther King weekend in January. 556 00:32:46,920 --> 00:32:49,960 Speaker 1: We do that every year and we typically get about 557 00:32:49,960 --> 00:32:54,680 Speaker 1: a hundred kids in that program, mostly African American. UM. 558 00:32:54,720 --> 00:32:57,800 Speaker 1: This year we did that same program and we had 559 00:32:58,040 --> 00:33:01,360 Speaker 1: six hundred kids participate in that program. So, you know, 560 00:33:01,440 --> 00:33:04,160 Speaker 1: you're talking about six times the impact, six times that 561 00:33:04,280 --> 00:33:07,440 Speaker 1: reach with really good programming. So those are some of 562 00:33:07,440 --> 00:33:09,160 Speaker 1: the things that we're going to continue to try to 563 00:33:09,360 --> 00:33:13,479 Speaker 1: to enhance and do more of. And UM. You know, 564 00:33:13,640 --> 00:33:16,440 Speaker 1: we're we're excited about the learnings that we're going to 565 00:33:16,520 --> 00:33:19,000 Speaker 1: implement coming out. You know, coming on the other side 566 00:33:19,000 --> 00:33:21,600 Speaker 1: of this pandemic, there are a lot of bright spots 567 00:33:22,360 --> 00:33:26,280 Speaker 1: amongst all the tragedy that this pandemic is brought. We're 568 00:33:26,280 --> 00:33:29,360 Speaker 1: really grateful for your time. We know as the season is, 569 00:33:29,440 --> 00:33:32,240 Speaker 1: you know, starting to find its footing, it's a very 570 00:33:32,240 --> 00:33:35,440 Speaker 1: busy time. Tony Reagan's thanks so much, major League Baseball's 571 00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:40,640 Speaker 1: Chief Baseball Development officer, former GM of the Angels. Thank 572 00:33:40,640 --> 00:33:43,840 Speaker 1: you so much. We really enjoyed it, all right, guys, 573 00:33:43,840 --> 00:33:45,960 Speaker 1: thank you for having me and um, you know, thanks 574 00:33:46,000 --> 00:33:49,120 Speaker 1: for your interested in our sport. Appreciate it. So guys, 575 00:33:49,400 --> 00:33:51,280 Speaker 1: really interesting to to catch up with him, and I 576 00:33:51,320 --> 00:33:54,760 Speaker 1: think important this week, you know, Jackie Robinson day. It 577 00:33:54,760 --> 00:33:58,240 Speaker 1: feels a little uh weightier this year, given everything that 578 00:33:58,280 --> 00:34:00,960 Speaker 1: continues to go on in this country, in some decisions 579 00:34:01,000 --> 00:34:03,960 Speaker 1: that have been made, most notably my Major League Baseball 580 00:34:04,080 --> 00:34:05,800 Speaker 1: and you know, one of the things that that really 581 00:34:05,800 --> 00:34:08,120 Speaker 1: struck me, and I think it's certainly based on on 582 00:34:08,200 --> 00:34:10,920 Speaker 1: your follow up, Michael Barr, it struck you was you know, 583 00:34:10,960 --> 00:34:13,160 Speaker 1: this was a guy who was in the room when 584 00:34:13,239 --> 00:34:17,560 Speaker 1: rob Manfred made the decision to pull out the pull 585 00:34:17,640 --> 00:34:20,680 Speaker 1: the All Star Game out of Atlanta and and that 586 00:34:20,880 --> 00:34:25,200 Speaker 1: really resonated in the broader world. There have been many 587 00:34:25,320 --> 00:34:31,640 Speaker 1: stories now with more businesses joining the chorus of MLB 588 00:34:32,120 --> 00:34:36,720 Speaker 1: and Coca Cola and and Delta and other companies saying 589 00:34:37,600 --> 00:34:43,439 Speaker 1: we do not like the voter restriction laws. And I'm 590 00:34:43,480 --> 00:34:47,399 Speaker 1: just wondering how big is this going to grow as 591 00:34:47,440 --> 00:34:50,759 Speaker 1: we go along? And is And I think about Jackie Robinson, uh, 592 00:34:50,800 --> 00:34:53,480 Speaker 1: And I meant what I said. It's he was way 593 00:34:53,480 --> 00:34:58,040 Speaker 1: more than just baseball. If he allowed me at least 594 00:34:58,040 --> 00:35:02,200 Speaker 1: an avenue to do when I'm doing now, and you 595 00:35:02,239 --> 00:35:04,799 Speaker 1: cannot forget what what he has done, not only for 596 00:35:04,880 --> 00:35:08,040 Speaker 1: baseball but for society in general. What do you make 597 00:35:08,080 --> 00:35:11,280 Speaker 1: of it? Lynchi, What's what jumps out of here? Um? 598 00:35:11,320 --> 00:35:13,080 Speaker 1: I thought that, you know, we were talking about growing 599 00:35:13,080 --> 00:35:18,440 Speaker 1: the game and attracting more, especially young black men and 600 00:35:18,480 --> 00:35:21,719 Speaker 1: women to play softball in baseball, and he said that 601 00:35:21,840 --> 00:35:26,120 Speaker 1: last year they made more connections virtually over the last 602 00:35:26,120 --> 00:35:28,600 Speaker 1: twelve or thirteen months than they did with young people 603 00:35:28,640 --> 00:35:31,719 Speaker 1: in person. And I think they may be onto something. Now. 604 00:35:31,880 --> 00:35:33,360 Speaker 1: We all know that a lot of bad things have 605 00:35:33,440 --> 00:35:34,920 Speaker 1: come out of COVID, and some good things have come 606 00:35:34,960 --> 00:35:37,800 Speaker 1: out of COVID, And if they can continue this connection 607 00:35:38,480 --> 00:35:40,719 Speaker 1: and and keep this connection and keep them in there 608 00:35:40,760 --> 00:35:43,440 Speaker 1: grasping their interests in baseball. I think I think they're 609 00:35:43,480 --> 00:35:45,200 Speaker 1: onto something because they really need to grow as a 610 00:35:45,239 --> 00:35:48,400 Speaker 1: business and and the best way to grow is obviously 611 00:35:49,120 --> 00:35:55,400 Speaker 1: attract young people and have them stay and play. Kid 612 00:35:55,520 --> 00:35:58,120 Speaker 1: feels better to be than one than number five the number. 613 00:35:58,160 --> 00:35:59,680 Speaker 1: Because of Mike, we have a chance to go for 614 00:35:59,760 --> 00:36:01,719 Speaker 1: three around good numbers is a good time. When I 615 00:36:01,760 --> 00:36:03,800 Speaker 1: first started wearing the number, I would just have the 616 00:36:03,840 --> 00:36:07,439 Speaker 1: improud Bloomberg business of sports, the number of the week. 617 00:36:09,200 --> 00:36:15,240 Speaker 1: All right, here we go. All right, guys, huddle around 618 00:36:15,280 --> 00:36:18,160 Speaker 1: the r C A victor. It's time for the number 619 00:36:18,200 --> 00:36:23,920 Speaker 1: of the week. Oh boy, yeah, here's the question. Expontential 620 00:36:24,280 --> 00:36:28,120 Speaker 1: Expontential Fitness is the franchise owner of boutique fitness brands 621 00:36:28,640 --> 00:36:33,080 Speaker 1: like cycle Bar. They have revived plans for US initial 622 00:36:33,120 --> 00:36:35,920 Speaker 1: public offering after setting them aside when the COVID nineteen 623 00:36:35,920 --> 00:36:38,120 Speaker 1: pandemic hit. This is according to people with knowledge of 624 00:36:38,160 --> 00:36:41,279 Speaker 1: the matter. The company is based out of urban California, 625 00:36:41,400 --> 00:36:46,359 Speaker 1: and it's planning the listing, which may value it at 626 00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:50,480 Speaker 1: about what al Right, this is it. I'm going to 627 00:36:50,560 --> 00:36:54,880 Speaker 1: be embarrassed because this is in my wheelhouse. Um, I 628 00:36:54,920 --> 00:36:58,600 Speaker 1: don't get this. I mean, I seem to think and 629 00:36:58,640 --> 00:37:01,480 Speaker 1: this has been a very interesting question across the fitness 630 00:37:01,480 --> 00:37:03,200 Speaker 1: world because there aren't a lot of comps out there, 631 00:37:03,640 --> 00:37:06,640 Speaker 1: which the bankers don't like when they're trying to take 632 00:37:06,719 --> 00:37:09,600 Speaker 1: something public. I'm gonna go with a nice round Unicord 633 00:37:09,680 --> 00:37:16,080 Speaker 1: number one billion, one billion, one billion, I'm gonna go 634 00:37:16,200 --> 00:37:20,920 Speaker 1: with I'm gonna go with seven million. Wow. Well, Jason 635 00:37:20,960 --> 00:37:25,919 Speaker 1: Europe on stage, one point three billion dollars. There we go. 636 00:37:26,480 --> 00:37:30,719 Speaker 1: Wow man, there we go. I was gonna pull the 637 00:37:30,760 --> 00:37:34,520 Speaker 1: gnome from Boston and and just I'm bulk in mind 638 00:37:34,600 --> 00:37:39,400 Speaker 1: milk being going hugely. He pulls this off, but no, 639 00:37:39,600 --> 00:37:42,480 Speaker 1: one point three billion dollars. And I should add, by 640 00:37:42,480 --> 00:37:47,080 Speaker 1: the way to uh, they have a workout Brands Rumble, 641 00:37:47,600 --> 00:37:52,600 Speaker 1: which involving Justin Bieber and Selina Gobaz So they are 642 00:37:52,640 --> 00:37:56,919 Speaker 1: among the prior class attendees. So we'll see where the Yeah. 643 00:37:56,960 --> 00:37:59,200 Speaker 1: I mean, this is an interesting one too because they've 644 00:37:59,239 --> 00:38:02,200 Speaker 1: been able to you. I'm actually, uh, stay tuned next 645 00:38:02,239 --> 00:38:05,080 Speaker 1: week because I've got a special coming out that's all 646 00:38:05,080 --> 00:38:07,359 Speaker 1: about the future of fitness. I don't deal with this 647 00:38:07,480 --> 00:38:10,480 Speaker 1: particular group of franchises, but we do talk about the 648 00:38:10,800 --> 00:38:13,719 Speaker 1: future of boutique fitness. There's been a lot of distress 649 00:38:13,719 --> 00:38:16,640 Speaker 1: in the market and so they've been able the exponential 650 00:38:16,640 --> 00:38:19,160 Speaker 1: and others have been able to kind of consolidate some brands. 651 00:38:19,239 --> 00:38:22,279 Speaker 1: So I think these platform moves are going to be 652 00:38:22,320 --> 00:38:24,560 Speaker 1: more and more popular. So we'll see, we'll see how 653 00:38:24,560 --> 00:38:26,520 Speaker 1: it all goes. Nice one. I love that number of 654 00:38:26,520 --> 00:38:28,719 Speaker 1: the week bar and you know, made me look like 655 00:38:28,880 --> 00:38:33,120 Speaker 1: marginally intelligent. So all right, you've been listening to Bloomberg 656 00:38:33,160 --> 00:38:35,200 Speaker 1: Business of Sports. We're here each and every week for 657 00:38:35,239 --> 00:38:37,440 Speaker 1: you at the same time plus online wherever you get 658 00:38:37,480 --> 00:38:40,520 Speaker 1: Your podcast does drop on Monday's, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I'm 659 00:38:40,560 --> 00:38:43,719 Speaker 1: Jason Kelly. Find me in the meantime on Twitter at 660 00:38:43,800 --> 00:38:46,239 Speaker 1: Jason Kelly News and I'm Mike Lynch and I want 661 00:38:46,239 --> 00:38:48,839 Speaker 1: to meet the twenty four people selected before Mike Trout 662 00:38:48,920 --> 00:38:51,279 Speaker 1: in two thousand and nine. You can follow me at 663 00:38:51,320 --> 00:38:54,400 Speaker 1: Lynch e W C dud and I'm Michael bar on 664 00:38:54,440 --> 00:38:57,320 Speaker 1: Twitter at Big Bar Sports. You're listening to Bloomberg Business 665 00:38:57,320 --> 00:39:02,440 Speaker 1: of Sports from Bloomberg Radio around the world. Four four