Jack Robinson was the first black player to play in the modern era, and thanks to his dedication, and his perserverance, the current black players owe a huge debt to Jackie. And Branch Rickey and the Dodgers of course.
About Jackie Robinson's life: Jackie Robinson, born January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia. He grew up on Pepper Street, Pasa Dena. Jackie lived and went to college in California and played football for U.C.L.A. He was named to the All-American football team in 1941. While he was in college he played Baseball, Basketball, Football and Track and was the first athelete in town to earn varsity letters in four sports. In 1939 before Jackie was a baseball player he was a messanger at Warner Brothers Studios. Later after becoming a baseball star he made a movie on his childhood and was the first actual player to have movie about them with them in it. The movie about his life was produced by Warner Brothers Studios. This Baseball legend and strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement passed away on October 24, 1972.
Rickey knew there would be difficult times ahead for the young athlete, and made Robinson promise to not fight back when confronted with racism. From the beginning of his career with the Dodgers, Robinson's will was tested. Even some of his new teammates objected to having an African-American on their team. People in the crowds sometimes jeered at Robinson, and he and his family received threats.
Despite the racial abuse, particularly at away games, Robinson had an outstanding start with the Royals, leading the International League with a .349 batting average and .985 fielding percentage. His excellent year led to his promotion to the Dodgers. His debut game on April 15, 1947, marked the first time an African-American athlete played in the major leagues.
The harassment continued, however, most notably by the Philadelphia Phillies and their manager Ben Chapman. During one infamous game, Chapman and his team shouted derogatory terms at Robinson from their dugout. Many players on opposing teams threatened not to play against the Dodgers. Even his own teammates threatened to sit out. But Dodgers manager Leo Durocher informed them that he would sooner trade them than Robinson. His loyalty to the player set the tone for the rest of Robinson's career with the team.
Others defended Jackie Robinson's right to play in the major leagues, including League President Ford Frick, Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler, Jewish baseball star Hank Greenberg and Dodgers shortstop and team captain Pee Wee Reese. In one incident, while fans harassed Robinson from the stands, Reese walked over and put his arm around his teammate, a gesture that has become legendary in baseball history.
Jackie Robinson succeeded in putting the prejudice and racial strife aside, and showed everyone what a talented player he was. In his first year, he hit 12 home runs and helped the Dodgers win the National League pennant. That year, Robinson led the National League in stolen bases and was selected as Rookie of the Year. He continued to wow fans and critics alike with impressive feats, such as an outstanding .342 batting average during the 1949 season. He led in stolen bases that year and earned the National League's Most Valuable Player Award.
Robinson stealing home
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