Special Guest - Quez Cantrell shares his journey as a Nashville-based musician, community builder, and baseball enthusiast. We explore the deep roots of black baseball culture, the impact of gentrification, and the healing power of the game and music.

Quez shares his journey through music, community activism, and how the sport of baseball became a therapy for grief. Alongside host, Coach Tre and Johnnie King III, he highlights the cultural significance of preserving youth sports in the Black community and the importance of representation and community engagement.

Quez shares his East Nashville upbringing, that led him to the sport and eventually to the microphone as a prolific MC and rap artist, representing his city and neighborhood of birth, to the fullest.

Here's what you'll discover on this episode:

• Quez Cantrell's background and community work in Nashville
• The history and significance of black baseball culture in Nashville
• Impact of gentrification and capitalism on local communities and sports
• The role of sports and music in healing and community building
• The importance of youth sports and grassroots efforts to revive black baseball
• The connection between music and baseball in black culture
• The influence of hip hop and popular artists on baseball culture
• The legacy of black athletes and the importance of mentorship
• The impact of sports on Black communities
• Quez Cantrell's music and community work
• The history and significance of baseball in Black culture
• The importance of representation in sports and music
• Community activism and mental health initiatives

In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities in youth and professional baseball, including ownership, culture, and the impact of economics on the game. We also highlight inspiring stories of redemption and the importance of authentic voices in sports media.

Coach Tre and Johnnie share personal stories and insights on how to foster a positive sports culture and support the growth of youth baseball and other sports. We explore the impact of youth sports, access disparities, and the importance of community support in developing young athletes.

We cover the story of former MLB player, Scott Spiezio, and his redemptive journey after overcoming heavy drug and alcohol abuse. Former ESPN analyst, Ryan Clark was fired from the network and we share our sincerest emotions about this topic.

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Tell us what you think about these episodes and topics, we will talk back!

This episode dives into the ongoing issues of racism in sports, the history of black baseball, and the resilience of black athletes. It highlights stories from baseball history, recent incidents, and the importance of representation and activism. In this episode, we explore the rich history of baseball uniforms, the impact of Nike's involvement, and the cultural significance of team apparel. We also reflect on personal stories of how sports uniforms foster pride, unity, and life-changing moments. In this episode, Johnnie and Coach Tre dive into the world of baseball uniforms, discussing their favorite styles, throwbacks, and the cultural significance behind team colors and logos. They also share personal stories and insights into the history of baseball apparel, highlighting how uniforms reflect team identity and community pride. Takeaways

• Racism has deep roots in baseball, from segregation to modern incidents.
• Black athletes often face racial abuse, but their resilience inspires change.
• Representation matters: having black players in major leagues is vital.
• Historical stories like the Cannon Street All-Stars highlight past injustices.
• Systemic barriers like high costs and segregation limit black participation.

Key Topics

• Racism and segregation in baseball history
• Recent incidents of racial abuse in sports
• The significance of black representation in baseball
• Stories of resilience and activism among black athletes
• The impact of systemic racism on sports opportunities History of baseball uniforms and iconic designs
• Nike's influence on modern sports apparel and uniforms
• Cultural significance of team uniforms and pride
• Personal stories of sports saving lives and fostering brotherhood
• Vallejo's contribution to sports across multiple disciplines
• Favorite baseball uniforms and why they stand out
• The cultural significance of team colors and logos
• The history and evolution of throwback jerseys
• Discussion of City Connect jerseys and fan reactions
• Personal stories about baseball apparel and team pride

In this episode, we explore the intersection of sports, culture, and social justice, highlighting inspiring stories from baseball and basketball, and discussing the importance of representation and authenticity. We explore innovative ideas to revitalize baseball, discuss the impact of social media on athletes, and share insights on how Major League Baseball can attract new audiences and diversify it's fan base. Join us for a deep dive into sports culture, community engagement, and creative strategies for growth.

On this episode we compare the major sports of MLB, NBA, NFL, WNBA, & Soccer. We also dive deep into:

• Jordan Walker's HR Derby Show
• Caitlin Clark & politics in sports
• Paige Bueckers & lack of Black female coaches in WNBA
• the Black 5's (Negro league basketball)
• World Cup Soccer (understanding the sport)
• Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Ocho Cinco, & Terrell Owens
• & so much more

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Picking up where we left off in Episode 4...we're still talking about All-Star Game memories.

It's the Mid-summer Classic, and we're celebrating the Black baseball legends who made every summer unforgettable.

In this episode of Stolen Bases, we take a trip down memory lane as we honor generations of Black Major League Baseball All-Stars—from the trailblazers of the 1950s and '60s to the icons of the '70s, '80s, '90s, and today's game. These weren't just great players—they were cultural icons who inspired millions, changed the game, and made us proud every time they stepped onto the field.

Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or someone who simply loves stories about sports, family, and culture, this episode is a celebration of the players, the memories, and the summers that shaped us.

⚾ Subscribe to Stolen Bases on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we celebrate the history, culture, and future of Black baseball.

Because we're stealing more than bases... we're reclaiming history.

It's the Mid-summer Classic, and we're celebrating the Black baseball legends who made every summer unforgettable.

In this episode of Stolen Bases, we take a trip down memory lane as we honor generations of Black Major League Baseball All-Stars—from the trailblazers of the 1950s and '60s to the icons of the '70s, '80s, '90s, and today's game. These weren't just great players—they were cultural icons who inspired millions, changed the game, and made us proud every time they stepped onto the field.

We also share some of our favorite baseball memories, from Little League and high school games to unforgettable trips to Major League ballparks, summer tournaments, family outings, and the moments that made us fall in love with baseball in the first place.

In our 7th Inning Stretch, we debate the evolution of the Home Run Derby, revisit some of our favorite Derby performances, and answer the question: Who would you put in the greatest Home Run Derby of all time?

Then we close the show with Last Cut, where we tackle one of the toughest debates in baseball:

If you could build your franchise around one Black baseball player in history, who would it be—and why?

Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan or someone who simply loves stories about sports, family, and culture, this episode is a celebration of the players, the memories, and the summers that shaped us.

⚾ Subscribe to Stolen Bases on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we celebrate the history, culture, and future of Black baseball.

Because we're stealing more than bases... we're reclaiming history.

In this episode, we explore the deep-rooted culture of baseball in black communities, the decline of black presence in the sport, and the cultural factors influencing participation and perception. We also discuss the importance of style, swagger, and representation in shaping the sport's appeal.

In Episode 3, Johnnie and Coach Tre dive into the legacy of black baseball legends, the importance of developing young talent, and debunk myths about legendary players like Ricky Henderson and Barry Bonds. They also discuss the cultural significance and future of black baseball.

When we think about the integration of Major League Baseball, one name immediately comes to mind: Jackie Robinson. But what if the story we've been told is only part of the story?

In Episode 2 of Stolen Bases, we take a deeper look at one of the most pivotal moments in American sports history. We begin with the story of Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first Black player to appear in the major leagues more than 60 years before Jackie Robinson, and explore why so many pioneers have been left out of the conversation.

Then we examine the complicated legacy of integration. While Jackie Robinson's courage changed baseball forever, what did Black America gain—and what did it lose? We discuss the rise and decline of the Negro Leagues, the disappearance of Black ownership and leadership in professional baseball, and the economic and cultural impact that followed.

We also explore the incredible burden Jackie Robinson carried, the pressure of representing an entire race, and how that compares to the expectations placed on Black athletes today.

Finally, we bring the conversation into the present by asking why Black participation in baseball has declined and what it will take to reconnect the game with the communities that once helped define it.

In this episode:

• The forgotten story of Moses Fleetwood Walker
• Why Jackie Robinson wasn't the beginning
• Integration vs. erasure: What was lost?
• The weight of being "the first"
• Why fewer Black athletes are choosing baseball today
• Can baseball reconnect with Black culture?

And don't miss our Last Cut segment, where we answer the question: If you could witness one moment in Black baseball history in person, which would you choose and why?

Subscribe to Stolen Bases on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we celebrate the history, culture, and future of Black baseball.

Because we're stealing more than bases... we're reclaiming history.

Before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier, Black Americans had already built a rich and thriving baseball culture of their own.

In the debut episode of Stolen Bases, hosts Coach Tré and Johnnie King III take listeners back to the early days of Black baseball to explore the foundations that made the game a cornerstone of African American communities across the country. From the rise of the Negro Leagues to the legendary players, owners, and entrepreneurs who created opportunities in the face of segregation, this episode uncovers a chapter of baseball history that deserves far more attention.

This isn't just a story about sports. It's a story about resilience, excellence, community, and a love for the game that helped shape generations.

Join us as we begin our journey through the history, culture, challenges, and future of Black baseball.

In this episode:

⚈ The origins of Black baseball

⚈ The rise and impact of the Negro Leagues

⚈Legendary players who paved the way

⚈ How Black communities built their own baseball institutions

⚈ Why these stories still matter today

Plus, stick around for our signature closing segment, Last Cut, where we tackle one final baseball debate before heading back to the clubhouse.

Welcome to Stolen Bases—where we tell the stories behind the game.

#StolenBasesPodcast #BlackBaseball #NegroLeagues #BaseballHistory