Brinson's Funeral Home of Orlando

Murray’s agent had hinted previously that there was a possibility Murray might actually choose baseball. Such a decision would have invigorated the initiatives MLB has launched over the past 20 years in an effort to attract talented African-American athletes flocking to football and basketball.Alas, as baseball begins a new season, it laments the player who got away.“I think the industry is disappointed as a whole, because you want to have the best athletes in your game,” said Del Matthews, the senior director of baseball development for Major League Baseball.“This guy’s a rock star,” he added, referring to Murray. “It would have been a great motivator for the kids we see through all of our programs, so we’re a little disappointed not having potentially the next Bo Jackson, and all the hype that was around him.”Murray would have been a public relations bonanza for baseball. In this June 15, 2018, file photo, Oakland Athletics draft pick Kyler Murray prepares for action before a baseball game between the Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels in Oakland, California. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File Last week I spoke with black major leaguers during spring training about their reaction to Murray’s signing and what it said about baseball’s efforts. This was hardly a scientific poll, but there was a familiar narrative about why talented athletes like Murray choose football and basketball over baseball.It had less to do with what baseball was doing wrong, more with how basketball and football have become pillars and beacon lights of opportunity and swag.“It would have been nice for the sport,” said Tony Sipp, the Washington Nationals’ 35-year-old relief pitcher. “But seeing his talent, you could see the writing on the wall. …“Selfishly, I wanted to see him play football. The type of athlete he was with the speed, the accuracy, the unconventional mechanics he has — the side-arm throwing. It’s fun to watch.”Sipp made the larger point that baseball is hard-pressed to co...