Jackie Robinson

Baseball had been segregated since its inception, and African American players were relegated to the Negro leagues. It was widely believed and accepted that black athletes were inferior and unable to compete in the major leagues.

Branch Rickey was an executive with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He had the courage to sign Jackie Robinson to be the first player to break the color line in baseball. Mr. Rickey picked Robinson because he believed that he had the mental and emotional toughness to prevail, as well as the physical prowess needed.

Whenever a “Glass Ceiling” is broken, there is tremendous pressure on the person doing it. Had Robinson failed, the generalization that blacks could not play equally would’ve prevailed for many years to come and deprived other deserving players the opportunity.

JR had to withstand incredible ridicule from his teammates, and harassment from fans. Contemplate that with the added pressure of playing baseball at this level. Bearing the weight of all this JR was named “Rookie of the Year”.

Jackie Robinson forever changes Baseball, all professional sports, and our country. He opened the door for countless African American athletes, and forever dispelled the myth that black people were inferior.

Jackie Robinson played the game with 100% intensity, and we remember him as both a great player who lit up the baseball diamond, and changes our lives forever!