MLB Introduces On-Field Diversity Task Force

On Wednesday, Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig unveiled the On-Field Diversity Task Force. The task force was put together to monitor the talent pipeline which impacts the representation and development of players with various ethnic backgrounds and on-field personnel in Major League Baseball (MLB). The task force is comprised of representatives from Club ownership, Club front offices, MLB's Central Office, Minor League Baseball, former players, the Major League Baseball Players Association, the MLB Scouting Bureau, and collegiate baseball. They intend to hone in on the many issues influencing on-field diversity throughout all areas of the league. "As a social institution, Major League Baseball has an enormous social responsibility to provide equal opportunities for all people, both on and off the field," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. Selig. "I am proud of the work we have done thus far with the RBI program and the MLB Urban Youth Academies, but there is more that we must accomplish. We have seen a number of successful efforts with existing MLB task forces, and I believe we have selected the right people to effectively address the many factors associated with diversity in baseball."