Astros manager Dusty Baker receives COVID-19 vaccine after early concerns

While COVID-19 vaccine rollouts are taking place throughout North America, some Black Americans have voiced fears over receiving the shots and compared them to the Tuskegee Experiment. 

The Tuskegee Experiment was an unethical study of untreated syphilis conducted on Black men without their informed consent in Tuskegee, Alabama, from 1932-72. 

Among those who recently had concerns over the vaccine was Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker, who informed reporters on Thursday that he has been vaccinated. 

"I was very aware of the experiment and so was my mom and dad," Baker said while speaking of the vaccine and the Tuskegee Experiment, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "And so, I was a little leery about getting the vaccine." 

The 71-year-old explained that he only received the vaccine after he watched an interview with a Black doctor who assured viewers of its safety. 

"It's their decision," Baker said of anyone who decides not to get the vaccine. "My mom will be 90 on March 1, and she's not going to get it. She refused to get it." 

He added: "So, I'm urging people to try to sort of take care of themselves. And I know it's a kind of touchy situation. A lot of people don't trust the vaccine... you do what you've got to do. But my suggestion was for those that are on the fence, get the vaccine." 

Before his death in January, former MLB home-run king Hank Aaron publicly received the COVID-19 vaccine to promote its safety to Black Americans. Earlier this month, NBA living legend Bill Russell took part in a public service announcement encouraging people to get vaccinated when eligible.