College Baseball needs a Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods has been hailed for the way he has spawned a more diverse fan base for professional golf.

Recent studies have indicated the number of African-Americans on Major League Baseball rosters is dwindling.

I think a College Baseball equivalent of Tiger Woods would be a great step toward reversing that trend. It seems more players are using the college route to hone their game while trying to get an education for life after baseball.

Both Clemson and South Carolina have had key players who were African-Americans, but seemingly not on a consistent enough basis to spark baseball fever about young minorities in this state.

Just last year, Furman's Jay Jackson (above left) was one of the top players in South Carolina, and his performance after turning professional validated his sterling college numbers.

While the Paladins had a fine season in 2008, the smaller fan base and lack of TV exposure for Furman baseball might have made it tough for Jackson's performance to persuade many African-American youngsters to pick up a ball, bat and glove and head for a vacant lot.

Here's hoping one of the state colleges finds that role model -- preferably from within the state -- who can spread the gospel of baseball into a more diverse community.

DeAngelo Mack of South Carolina could fill that bill. He's a Columbia native with the potential to be a key member of the Gamecocks lineup. He showed flashes of ability last season, starting 30 of 63 games and hitting .283 with 7 home runs.

Baseball needs to reclaim its role as a favorite sport among people of color.