Black Play-by-Play Broadcaster Grant

This is going to benefit black broadcasters looking to break into radio and TV play-by-play. There are not nearly enough black voices in the industry, and it is incumbent on us to identify why that is and make a change. 

Baseball broadcasting jobs are traditionally low-paid, with broadcasters regularly offered work for $1,000/month and no benefits or housing for the seasonal six-month period they are with the team. The goal is to establish one $3,000 grant- The Black Play-by-Play Broadcaster Grant- for the upcoming 2021 season, reflecting a $500/month stipend from mid-March through mid-September that would make life easier for someone looking to break into the industry.

This grant is not exclusively intended for a black broadcaster in dire need of money. As much as a lack of pay can be prohibitive for many people of a certain background to enter the field, this grant is also a gesture from the industry saying it wants to welcome more diversity with open arms and wants to help lift up an underrepresented group. There are already countless barriers-to-entry when looking to land a job in play-by-play right out of college -- feeling like you're not a welcome part of the majority-white broadcast community should not be on that list.

Any donation is absolutely welcome and appreciated, especially in these uncertain economic times. If you are looking for guidance of what could be appropriate to give, $30 ($5/month for the six months of the grant) would be incredibly generous for the grant recipient.

Since there are additional ways in which people are going to donate (Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, personal check), please check my Twitter feed (@AdamGiardino) for updates on the total money raised by this project above and beyond what is listed here.