More Than 26% Of Major League Players Born Outside the U.S.

Major League Baseball’s 30-team Opening Day rosters, which consist of 25-man rosters and disabled lists, included 222 players born outside the 50 United States. These players represent 15 foreign countries and Puerto Rico.

In total, 26.1 percent of the 849 players (750 active and 99 disabled) on Opening Day rosters were born outside the 50 United States. The Dominican Republic leads all countries with 73 players, while Puerto Rico was second with 39 and Venezuela was third with 38. The Baltimore Orioles lead all Major League teams with 12 players, while the Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos each have 11 players.

Last year, 25.3 percent of players on Opening Day rosters were born outside the 50 United States.

Additionally, nearly 50 percent of the 5,781 Minor League players currently signed to professional baseball contracts were also born outside the 50 United States. Those 2,865 Minor League players represent 31 countries across the globe including the Dominican Republic (1,536 players), Venezuela (738), Puerto Rico (123) and Mexico (91).

Following is a complete list of the Major League players on 2002 Opening Day rosters that were born outside the 50 United States and a list of the countries that are represented by Minor League players.

To view chart of players click above on ‘More Images’.

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