Jackie Robinson
Sixty years ago today Jackie Robinson became a Brooklyn Dodger. Today, George Will at Townhall.com pens a great tribute to this courageous man.
No one had trouble spotting the black man in the Dodgers’ white home uniform when he trotted out to play first base at Ebbets Field. Suddenly, only 399, not 400, major league players were white. Which is why 42 is the only number permanently retired by every team.
Only 25,623 fans went to the game on April 15, 1947 — 4,000 fewer than on opening day 1946 and 6,000 fewer than the ballpark’s capacity. Perhaps some white fans were wary of being with so many blacks. Usually blacks were no more than 10 percent of Dodger crowds but on this day they may have been 60 percent.
Jack Roosevelt Robinson’s middle name was homage to the president who said “speak softly and carry a big stick.” Robinson’s deeds spoke loudly. His stick weighed 34 ounces, which was enough.
Enjoy!
Written by Sue
