Shifting Perceptions of Ivy League Baseball Players
NEW YORK — Not long ago, MLB scouts were doubtful about prospects from Ivy League schools. The common belief was that unless you were an exceptional talent like Lou Gehrig, an elite education wouldn’t justify spending years in the minor leagues.
Why would someone choose a baseball career when lucrative options like Wall Street exist?
Even drafted players faced skepticism, needing to prove to their teammates they were serious about the game. However, this perception is changing as Ivy League graduates are now becoming more common, particularly in front offices—almost half of major league executives hail from these prestigious universities.
Acceptance has permeated team cultures too. Yankees players like Ben Rice from Dartmouth and Jake Cousins from Penn share their thoughts on being Ivy League players in a professional setting.
“The guys definitely recognize it,” Rice noted recently. “They find it interesting, and I’m proud of it.” Cousins added, “People are beginning to see that Ivy League baseball is legitimate. If you come from there, you can play.”
This shift is also supported by the Yankees’ bench coach, Brad Ausmus, a Dartmouth alumnus who had a successful 18-year MLB career and has emphasized data and analytics since joining the team.
A New Era in the Game
Today’s Yankees embrace intelligence as a vital asset. The era where chewing tobacco and post-game drinking defined the culture is fading. The anti-intellectual stance that once existed has changed, as exemplified by players like Ron Darling (Yale), who stood out for his polish and intellect in a rough-and-tumble environment.
In contrast, players like Rice and Cousins blend in seamlessly with their teammates. They are skilled athletes but eschew the stereotype of traditional preppiness. Cousins humorously remarked, “I’m not one of those guys who would’ve been curing cancer if I wasn’t playing baseball.”
With impressive skills, Cousins was a three-time All-Ivy selection and became a standout pitcher, even if he faced challenges due to lingering biases against Ivy League alumni. “It’s tougher to get drafted in the early rounds,” he said, reflecting on his experience after being drafted in the 20th round in 2017.
His journey included nearly giving up when he was released by the Nationals in 2019, as he compared his life in the minors to classmates enjoying successful careers. However, a supportive network encouraged him to persevere.
Unlike Cousins, Rice, drafted in the 12th round by the Yankees in 2020, maintained confidence throughout his climb. He immersed himself in the game, even learning Spanish to connect better with his Latino teammates, earning the nickname Benito Arroz for his cultural adaptability.
As Rice continues to excel, raising his batting average significantly from last year, he feels a sense of belonging. “We all get along here; we’re like family,” he concluded, emphasizing the unity within the team, regardless of their Ivy League backgrounds.
