Former MLB MVPs want Kennesaw Mountain Landis' name off plaque

Several former MLB MVPs have expressed their desire to have Kennesaw Mountain Landis' name removed from the plaque due to his racist legacy of keeping black players out of the league during his time as commissioner.

"Why is it on there?" asked former Reds shortstop Barry Larkin, who won the NL MVP in 1995. "I was always aware of his name and what that meant to slowing the color line in Major League Baseball, of the racial injustice and inequality that Black players had to go through."

Landis was the first commissioner of baseball, taking on the role in 1920 and continuing to hold the position until his death in 1944. The league chose to name the MVP plaque after him shortly after his death. During his tenure, the league remained segregated. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947.

"If you're looking to expose individuals in baseball's history who promoted racism by continuing to close baseball's doors to men of color, Kenesaw Landis would be a candidate," three-time NL MVP Mike Schmidt said. "Looking back to baseball in the early 1900s, this was the norm. It doesn't make it right, though. Removing his name from the MVP trophy would expose the injustice of that era. I'd gladly replace the engraving on my trophies."

Terry Pendleton, who won the MVP for Atlanta in 1991, also said it was time for a change.

"This is 2020 now and things have changed all around the world," Pendleton said. "It can change for the better. Statues are coming down, people are looking at monuments and memorials. We need to get to the bottom of things, to do what's right. Yes, maybe it is time to change the name."