MLB Players and Citizenship
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional sport with a long history in the United States. It is one of the most popular sports in the country, and its players have come from all over the world to play at the highest level of the sport. The question of what percentage of MLB players are not U.S. citizens has been a topic of debate for many years.
MLB Player Demographics
The demographics of MLB players have changed significantly over the years. According to the MLB Players Association, the league is currently composed of 70.4% U.S. citizens, 19.8% players from Latin American countries, and 9.8% from other countries. This means that approximately 30% of MLB players are not U.S. citizens.
Foreign-born Players in MLB
The number of foreign-born players in MLB has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2019, there were a total of 254 foreign-born players on active rosters, which was the highest number in MLB history. The countries with the most players represented were the Dominican Republic (103), Venezuela (66), Cuba (19), and Mexico (17).
International Signings & Drafts
The MLB has implemented a number of initiatives to increase the number of foreign-born players in the league. The most significant of these initiatives is the International Signing Program, which allows teams to sign players from outside the United States. This program has helped to increase the number of foreign-born players in the league, as teams can sign players from any country in the world. Additionally, MLB teams can also participate in the Rule 5 Draft, which allows them to select players from other teams’ minor league systems who are not on the team’s 40-man roster.
Non-U.S. Citizens in MLB
The number of non-U.S. citizens in MLB has steadily increased over the years, but it is still relatively low compared to the total number of players in the league. In 2019, there were a total of 77 non-U.S. citizens on active rosters, which was the highest number in MLB history. The countries with the most players represented were the Dominican Republic (37), Venezuela (17), Cuba (10), and Mexico (7).
MLB Players and Visas
In order for a foreign-born player to play in MLB, they must obtain a P-1A visa. This visa is granted to athletes who are internationally recognized and are coming to the U.S. to play professionally. The process of obtaining a P-1A visa can be lengthy and complicated, and it is important for players to understand and comply with the requirements of the visa.
MLB and Diversity
The MLB is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the league. The league has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at increasing the number of foreign-born players in the league, including the International Signing Program and the Rule 5 Draft. These initiatives have helped to increase the number of non-U.S. citizens in the league, and have helped to create an increasingly diverse and inclusive environment in MLB.
Future of Non-U.S. Citizens in MLB
The number of non-U.S. citizens in MLB is likely to continue to increase in the future. The league is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and is likely to continue to implement initiatives that will help to increase the number of foreign-born players in the league. Additionally, the league is likely to continue to invest in the International Signing Program, which has already proven to be successful in increasing the number of foreign-born players in the league.
Notable Non-U.S. Citizens in MLB
There are a number of notable non-U.S. citizens in MLB. Some of the most prominent players include:
- José Ramírez (Venezuela)
- José Altuve (Venezuela)
- Yadier Molina (Puerto Rico)
- Yasiel Puig (Cuba)
- Miguel Cabrera (Venezuela)
- Adrián Beltré (Dominican Republic)
- Nelson Cruz (Dominican Republic)
- Félix Hernández (Venezuela)
- Edwin Encarnación (Dominican Republic)
- Robinson Canó (Dominican Republic)
Conclusion
The percentage of MLB players who are not U.S. citizens is currently approximately 30%. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, as the league has implemented a number of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the league. There are a number of notable non-U.S. citizens in MLB, and it is likely that the number of foreign-born players in the league will continue to increase in the future.