The Stacking of Latinos in Major League Baseball: Does it Matter if a Player is Drafted?

Abstract

According to the stacking theories first developed by Loy and McElvogue, minority individuals are assigned to noncentral playing positions based on ascribed characteristics such as race or ethnicity. This study investigates whether the draft has an impact on stacking patterns. The period from 1995 to 1999 was analyzed. Results indicate that two out of three Latino players are not drafted, that nondrafted players tend to be over represented at second base and short stop, and that drafted players are not stacked in any position.