MLB Opens Draft With Black Lives Matter Message, Donations

NEW YORK --AP -- Before the first pick was made at the amateur draft, Major League Baseball delivered a message: The sport stands fully behind the Black Lives Matter movement. At the outset of the broadcast Wednesday night, Commissioner Rob Manfred said "this moment is a call to action" and baseball "can do more as an institution" to combat systemic racism and inequality.

Executives from all 30 teams working remotely held up signs that read: "Black Lives Matter. United For Change." The baseball operations officials were joined by MLB and club owners in announcing donations to several organizations that support and fight for racial justice.