MLB 2024 featuring Curtis Granderson

Summary

In the Allison Sports podcast, Curtis Granderson, former MLB outfielder, discusses his post-retirement initiatives. He shares insights on the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy, which introduces underprivileged youth to baseball and education. Granderson also talks about his involvement with the Players Alliance, striving for diversity and inclusion in baseball. He expresses excitement for MLB's 2024 schedule, including the East West Negro League All-Star game and the Rickwood game, emphasizing the importance of these events in honoring baseball's history and expanding the sport's global appeal.

Takeaways

• 😀 Curtis Granderson, a former MLB outfielder, discusses his involvement in the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy at UIC.
• 🏆 Granderson is a Roberto Clemente Award winner and Silver Slugger, emphasizing his baseball achievements.
• 🎓 His parents were educators, and he has strong ties to UIC, where he graduated and now has a stadium named after him.
• 🌱 The Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy aims to use baseball as a context for education, especially for kids aged 8 to 18.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Academy provides opportunities for underprivileged kids to experience college life and access resources to continue playing baseball.
• 💼 Jason Titler, a consultant, discusses the potential for brands to partner with the Academy for marketing and community engagement.
• 🏡 The Academy helps address the high costs of equipment and travel associated with youth baseball, making the sport more accessible.
• 🤝 Curtis Granderson is also the president of the Players Alliance, an organization focused on improving inclusion and diversity in baseball.
• 📈 The Players Alliance was formed in 2020, bringing together current and former MLB players to advocate for change in the sport.
• 📅 Looking ahead to the 2024 MLB season, Granderson highlights the importance of rule changes, such as every team playing each other, to grow the game's popularity.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy (CBEA)?

The primary focus of CBEA is not just on baseball itself but on using baseball as a context for education, providing opportunities for kids aged 8 to 18 from around the Chicagoland area to get onto a college campus and engage in both sports and educational activities.

How did Curtis Granderson's upbringing influence his philanthropic work?

Curtis Granderson's parents were educators who emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. They often invited people over for food and would donate outgrown items to those in need. This instilled in Curtis a sense of community service, which he carries on through his work with the CBEA and other initiatives.

What role does the stadium at UIC play in the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy?

The stadium at UIC serves as a key facility for the CBEA, providing a space for the community to use when not in use by the university's athletic department. This allows for year-round engagement with baseball and educational programs.

What is the significance of the Grand Kids Foundation in Curtis Granderson's philanthropic efforts?

The Grand Kids Foundation plays a significant role by addressing food insecurity in Chicago. It works with food banks and other organizations to provide support to those in need, demonstrating Curtis Granderson's commitment to community welfare beyond just sports.

How does Curtis Granderson view the importance of equipment in youth sports, particularly in baseball?

Curtis Granderson recognizes the financial burden that equipment costs can place on families, especially as children grow and need to replace or upgrade their gear. He emphasizes the importance of making baseball accessible by reducing these costs through initiatives like CBEA, which offers free access to facilities and equipment.

What is the Players Alliance, and how did Curtis Granderson become involved with it?

The Players Alliance is an organization made up of current and former MLB players dedicated to improving inclusion and diversity in baseball. Curtis Granderson became involved during the 2020 pandemic when players came together to discuss how to increase their impact on these issues, leading to the formation of the alliance.

What are some of the challenges that Curtis Granderson sees in maintaining youth involvement in baseball?

Curtis Granderson identifies several challenges, including the high costs of equipment and travel for competitive play, as well as the need for accessible facilities, especially during the winter months. He discusses the importance of providing resources to help young players continue their involvement in baseball.

How does Curtis Granderson's work with the Players Alliance align with his goals for the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy?

Curtis Granderson's work with the Players Alliance aligns with his goals for CBEA by focusing on creating opportunities and improving access to baseball for all youth, regardless of their background. Both initiatives aim to increase diversity and inclusion in the sport and provide resources to support young players.

What are some of the upcoming 'Crown Jewel' events in MLB that Curtis Granderson is excited about?

Curtis Granderson is excited about events such as the East West Negro League All-Star game and the Rickwood game, which pay homage to the Negro Leagues and their significant contributions to baseball. These events are part of MLB's efforts to celebrate the history and tradition of the sport.

How does Curtis Granderson view the importance of every MLB team playing against each other?

Curtis Granderson sees the importance of every team playing against each other as a way to market and grow the game, allowing fans from all markets to see top players and experience the excitement of the sport, which can help expand the game's global reach.

What are some of the key storylines Curtis Granderson is looking forward to in the 2024 MLB season?

Curtis Granderson is looking forward to the off-season moves and trades that will shape team dynamics and fan excitement. He also anticipates the impact of global players like Shohei Ohtani and the rule changes that will allow every team to play against each other, increasing fan engagement and accessibility to top talent.