The Game Changers Celebration Program

Game Changers Celebration

First Annual

The Game Changers Celebration July 17, 2022 The Grammy Museum Los Angeles, CA

Game Changers Celebration

Who We Are The Players Alliance is where we as professional players commit to owning and supporting solutions to increase the participation of our beloved community in baseball. We do this because black representation is important to both the community and the game.

The Mission of the Players Alliance is to address baseball’s systemic barriers to equity & inclusion by creating pathways to opportunities on and off the field for an undeniable pipeline of black talent.

Game Changers Celebration

Our Core Values Leadership

We believe that as black players we have both the right and responsibility to lead using our unique, yet shared experiences, education and collective voice

Ownership

We believe our experiences (both success and failure) in the game of baseball uniquely qualify us to transition from players of a game, to owners of desired solutions to increase the presence and involvement of African Americans

Service

We are committed to using our voice at the table to serve on behalf of those unaware of the table’s existence.

Protection

We are committed to advocating for thoughtful interventions and protective guidance for players and their families to combat the special vulnerabilities and pitfalls found in the journey towards and within professional play

Stewardship

We respect every gift received and relied upon by our mission and commit to transparency and effective stewardship

Leverage

We define success as continued commitment by leadership (TPA, team owners & mlb management) plus collaborative synergy (w/clubs, the Association & communities) and an unwavering focus on service.

Diversity

We believe that diversity is an asset and must be viewed and pursued as a priority throughout the game of baseball.

Equality

We believe that diversity is an asset and must be viewed and pursued as a priority throughout the game of baseball

Game Changers Celebration

A Note From Our Board of Directors Welcome to The Players Alliance’s 1st Annual Game Changers Celebration.

Every day we’re inundated with social unrest and concerns for our shared future. We are keenly aware that as black men and women, our joy and celebration take on special importance. They can spark hope and belief in a future with no evidence or clear path to success. In a game and world where our minority status often overshadows our reality of belonging, this night of lifting our own plays a key role in our approach to our mission.

Systemic barriers are real and impact far too many people of color and those living in poverty. However, our collective stories of players knowing success and failure prove that barriers can be addressed and overcome with focus, resources and commitment. As players we’ve proven we’re more than good enough for the game. We formed The Players Alliance so that we may now participate as informed leaders, poised to use what we know to help the game bring the diversity required for excellence and greater participation by ALL Americans. .

In the past few months we’ve focused our attention as board and staff on our priorities and programming that might provide the greatest impact. It was board member, CC Sabathia who said that “celebration of our own is what’s missing. We need a way to give players their flowers and remind all of us of the greatness walking among us every day.”

Today’s African American professional player makes up only 7% of the league’s total population. While this stat is abysmal for the talent we know is present within our community, it in no way reflects the promise of our future or the reality of our past in this game. Tonight, on the rooftop of the Grammy Museum we’re connecting that 7% to the rich tradition of excellence brought to the game by players like Eric Davis and Darryl Strawberry. We’re reminding the game of the heights found in diversity and representation by players like Natasha Watley and taking a moment to show pride in what’s next in players like Mookie Betts.

We are The Players Alliance…men and women bonded together understanding that simply by showing up to play the game, we change it.

Thank you for joining us and more importantly thank you for choosing to support us.

The Players Alliance Board of Directors

Curtis Granderson, Board Chair

CC Sabathia, Vice Chair

Ed Jackson,

Founder/ Secretary

For more information on how you can help, please visit www.playersalliance.org Follow us on Instagram @playersalliance

Game Changers Celebration

The Game Changers Celebration Program Highlights Black Carpet Host Jemele Hill

2022 Honorees Mission Auction Paddle Raise Board Remarks and Special Presentation to Commissioner Robert Manfred Close by Event Chair Brandon Watson

Game Changers Celebration

Honorees We are thrilled to honor Eric Davis, Natasha Watley, Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Betts. They have made a incredible impact in the game and community. We salute you!

Eric Davis

Natasha Watley

Darryl Strawberry

Mookie Betts

P L AY M A K E R S I N T H E G A M E & C O M M U N I T Y

Game Changers Celebration

Food by

Wolfgang Puck Catering Passed Hors D’oeuvres Spago’s Signature Spicy Tuna Tartare Sesame Miso Cone Assorted Signature Pizzas: Wild Mushroom, Pepperoni, BBQ Chicken Crispy Shrimp and Lobster Spring Rolls Sweet Maryland Crab Cakes Herb Remoulade Miniature Cheeseburger Brioche Bun, Tiny Tomatoes, Remoulade Brisket Taco, Guacamole, Ancho Puree, Lime Crema Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Provolone, Caramelized Onion, Horseradish Prime New York Steak Crostini, Yuzu Butter, Shiitake Mushrooms Take Home Desserts From local Black-Owned Bakery Southern Girl Desserts Signature Mocktail “The Pipelime” Blackberry Hibiscus Lemonade

Welcome sip generously provided by Vuelo Tequila

Game Changers Celebration

The Players Alliance would like to extend a special thanks to our sponsors:

Game Changers Celebration

The Players Alliance Board of Directors Curtis Granderson, Chair CC Sabathia, Vice Chair Edwin Jackson, Founder & Secretary Margarette Purvis Interim Executive Director

Game Changers Celebration

Special thanks to: Event Concept, Direction and Scripts The Charity CEO Developer of Organizations and Leaders Graphic Design JouJou Creative Auction TK, TBD Hair & Make-Up April Chaney, Make-Up Artist & Esthetician Event Production Caryl Chinn, Caryl Chinn Consulting Todd Hawkins, Hawkins Mikita

Game Changers Celebration

24 W. Railroad Ave., Suite 130 Tenafly, New Jersey 07670 playersalliance.org @playersalliance