MADISON, Wis. — Seventy-five years ago this year, Jackie Robinson broke down racial barriers on the baseball field when he became the first Black man to play in the Major League.

Robinson paved the way for hundreds of Black athletes. Yet, today the number of Black players in Major League Baseball is the lowest it’s been in decades. 

The Black Men Coalition of Dane County’s new youth baseball league is on a mission to change that. 

Baseball season for these young players isn’t about winning. It’s about learning how to play a sport that hasn’t always been accessible to everyone. 

When 8-year-old Zolen Lopez-Darden takes the mound, he’s not messing around. This future baseball star’s a natural.

 “I love baseball and it’s my favorite sport,” Lopez-Darden said.

Lopez-Darden is one of more than 200 kids participating in BMCDC’s youth baseball league.

“I like it because I get to run fast, faster than a cheetah,” said Cahlil Patterson, 5.

“The coaches are so nice. I like hitting and they let me hit,” said Paco Ard, 8.

“It’s just made for fun,” said Lopez-Darden.

While some have played baseball before, for the majority, this is their first time, said Corey Marionneaux, founder of Black Men Coalition of Dane County.

“When I was young, my family didn’t have a lot of money. I was a kid who watched the game of baseball and wanted to play and couldn’t afford to,” Marionneaux said.

So, to level the playing field, the youth baseball program is free. Registration, equipment, and transportation are provided at no cost to the players.

“We build a community right here with the kids on the field and we build communities in the stands with the parents,” Marionneaux said.

“I love the fact it is free. It’s a chance for the kids to come out and.play and they can wear jerseys and get the feel of what it is to be a team,” said Candice Patterson.

Along with mentorship and confidence building, kids learn lessons both on and off the field. 

“It kept me out of trouble and it taught me how to respect my mother and my family and really become a man. It’s our main goal to keep kids off the street and away from violence,” said coach Erik Richardson.  

Lopez-Darden said his favorite player is Robinson.

“He was the first Black baseball player to play on a white team. You just couldn’t do that, and he did,” he said. “Yes, he paved the way for me.”

Whether Lopez-Darden decides to follow in Robinson’s footsteps or not, BMCDC’s new youth baseball league gives all athletes a running chance. 

The league​, available for all Dane County youth ages 4 to 14 years of age, ends on Aug. 7. They are still in need of donations and are looking for indoor space so that they can expand the season.