In this episode of the Dad Hat Chronicles, we delve into the world of baseball with our special guest, Mark Cheatham, the visionary behind Black Baseball Mixtape. Our discussion revolves around disparities within the major leagues and the importance of community and representation in the game. Mark’s passion for baseball started from his early childhood, driving him to establish the Black Baseball Mixtape. This initiative aims to shed light on the black experience in baseball, inspired by powerful conversations with Xavier Shrugs, a passionate sports commentator, and Lonnie Murray, the first certified female baseball agent. Our discussion covers the declining participation of Black American players in major baseball leagues, college baseball, and their dwindling fan base. Through the Black Baseball Mixtape, Mark highlights the legacy and contemporary contributions of Black baseball players, thereby challenging this trend and setting a foundation for future generations. Highlighting the vibrant, present-day Black baseball players and their narratives is a key focus of Mark's work, fostering not only a larger audience but also a sense of community healing. Hear about his experiences of local minor league teams and the significant role diverse representation plays in the sports world. Dive into a comprehensive discussion about shifting dynamics in baseball and the recruitment process. Discover surprising facts about black baseball-rooted American fandom and player accessibility. Listen as our guests detail the importance of college in a player's journey toward Major League Baseball, and the challenges black American players face in the system. Explore valuable insights into college baseball from a Division I perspective, changes brought by partial scholarships and the new Income Laws (NIL), and the complex dynamics of the NIL and transfer portals in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Feel the nostalgia as we talk about historical baseball events and icons, modern-day content creation, and pushing viral content. Hear captivating tales of historical figures like Bill Veck and Branch Rickey who have shaped major league baseball. Concluding with an engaging chat with Mark Cheatham, you will discover the art of podcasting and the vision behind creating a platform for legitimizing black baseball. Cheats:       Twitter: https://twitter.com/BBallMixtape      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbaseballmixtape/ The DHC: The Dad Hat: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles   Curved Brim Media: https://curvedbrimmedia.com