Mike Mayden, a former major-league baseball scout and the Founder of A League of Our Own (ALOOO), the only Black-owned independent baseball league in the United States, is calling on Black-owned businesses to seize sponsorship opportunities as the league gears up for an ambitious event in September 2024. The non-profit organization, recognized as a 501(c)3, plans to host 30 games in 30 days and is actively seeking support to sustain and expand its operations.
In an appeal to Black entrepreneurs, community leaders, and the wider Black community, Mayden emphasizes the importance of financial contributions to ensure the longevity of the league. He highlights ALOOO’s rich history of providing inner-city baseball players with opportunities across various states and even internationally, with over 200 players from the program advancing to college or professional baseball.
ALOOO, founded in 1986, is dedicated to breaking barriers in baseball and promoting diversity within the sport. With its upcoming fall league, scheduled from the first week of September to the first week of October, the organization aims to offer continuous baseball action with 30 consecutive games. The league is open to players aged 18 and older, regardless of their ethnic background or high school/college eligibility status.
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Mayden emphasizes that ALOOO serves as a vital resource for players who have aged out of local inner-city baseball programs but still seek opportunities to refine their skills. Beyond providing a platform for competition, the league will introduce participants to entrepreneurship through specialized training programs in sports management, media production, umpiring, sports agency, and grounds crew maintenance.
In a nod to African American baseball icons, ALOOO plans to honor legendary figures by naming teams in the league after them. Notable names include R. Foster, Stachel Paige, Sam Allen, and Dick Allen, with further consideration given to honoring luminaries such as Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Buck O’Neal.
As ALOOO prepares to embark on its 30 games in 30 days journey, the league invites stakeholders from all backgrounds to join in supporting its mission of fostering diversity, providing family entertainment, and creating opportunities for African American baseball players to excel.
