The Oakland high school that produced Frank Robinson and others fights to keep baseball alive

McClymonds High School in Oakland, California, is attempting to revive its baseball program after years of inactivity, relying on donated equipment and community support. The team, composed mostly of beginners, faced a 10-0 loss in its first game but improved to a 16-2 defeat against Skyline just three days later. Coaches Jamey Smart and Eddie Heard emphasize fundamentals and effort, with Smart shouting encouragement like 'Strikes, Madden, strikes!' during games. The program’s revival follows decades of decline, with McClymonds unable to complete a full season since 2019 due to low participation and resource shortages. The school, predominantly Black, has a storied sports history, producing MLB stars like Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Vada Pinson, as well as NBA legends Bill Russell and Ernie Lombardi. Despite baseball’s rich tradition in Oakland, including Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson and Joe Morgan, Black representation in MLB has dropped to 6.8% this season, down from 18% in 1991. Smart and supporters believe keeping baseball alive in inner cities is crucial, even with obstacles. The team practices at Raimondi Park, thanks to Oakland Ballers’ generosity, and wears hats and T-shirts donated by former major leaguer Tyson Ross. Players like senior Josiah McCombs, a converted basketball player, are learning on the fly, such as running to first base after a dropped third strike. Small victories matter, like winning a single inning or improving defensive positioning. Smart uses moments like McCombs’ first at-bat to teach lessons, reinforcing that progress comes from effort and focus. The team’s resilience—losing 20-0 to Skyline last week but improving—shows determination, though challenges like academic eligibility and limited resources persist. McClymonds remains committed to rebuilding, one game at a time.