Marc Church's journey in baseball began with a high school bet that not only rewarded him financially but also set the stage for his development as a pitcher. After hitting 90 mph in a game, he caught the attention of Marvin Freeman, a former MLB pitcher, leading to mentorship opportunities that are crucial for Black players in the sport. Church and fellow prospect Kumar Rocker represent hope for increasing diversity among MLB pitchers, a demographic where Black participation has notably dwindled.

As Black History Month concludes, the conversation turns to the ongoing challenges Black pitchers face, from access to training resources to cultural adaptability in predominantly white spaces. Church highlights the value of mentorship and relatable figures like Rocker within the Rangers organization, echoing sentiments from other team veterans regarding the necessity of trust and understanding in coaching. Despite MLB's efforts to increase diversity, statistics show an alarming underrepresentation of Black pitchers at the major league level, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to provide more opportunities for aspiring players.