Major League Baseball sits at an all-time low with just over 6% of its players being African-American, a drastic and continual decline from 35 years ago, when the percentage of African-American participation, was hovering around 18% (+/-).
In an attempt to attract more minority youth to the sports of baseball and softball and in continuance of promoting the Legacy of Henry “Hank” Aaron the MLB Icon, the Hank Aaron Sports Academy (“HASA”) will once again host The Big Show to be held in Jackson, MS. The Big Show will feature recreational and travel baseball from Jackson and surrounding cities. These teams will battle for the “Golden Hammer” trophy (named after Mr. Aaron who was better known by his teammates as “Hammer” after breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record on April 8th, 1974).
The Big Show is unique in that it will feature both recreational and travel baseball, both being played at the same time and in neighboring cities and facilities so that attention can be brought to the lack of minority opportunities and participation in the game better known as “America’s Favorite Past-Time”.
In an ironic contrast, the State of Mississippi is home to two Minor League Teams that represent both of the teams that Hank Aaron played for (Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers), yet at the same time the capital city of Jackson and the Jackson Public School system (“JPS”) has seven High Schools. Not one of them has an on-campus baseball field or practice facility for its student-athletes.
The Big Show will represent a way to raise awareness as well as funds to assist in revitalizing the numerous youth and little league fields that are in serious need of repair as well as beginning the mission of bringing baseball fields back to the 7 High Schools.
“I’m excited to be a part of The Big Show, as well as to see numerous Mayors from surrounding cities buying in and assisting in this bi-partisan vision for our youth in Jackson and throughout Mississippi. An important thing to remember is that each of these surrounding communities and their High School teams will play against JPS baseball teams in home game match-ups, so better and safer facilities for JPS equals better and safer facilities for their opponents – this gives credence to the saying that a rising tide floats all boats,” said Tim Bennett, CEO of the HASA
The goal is to bring together over 250 teams of all ages, from all backgrounds, and all races together in one place to share a common goal and vision, that of honoring the Legacy of Henry “Hank” Aaron while at the same time continuing the mission of making this game more available to minority, under-privileged and underserved youth.
All teams and leagues are invited, encouraged, and welcomed to participate in The Big Show with tournament dates to be announced on November 15th.