Major League Baseball was once an all-white league and African American players were forced to play in the Negro Leagues, leagues made for African Americans who were not allowed in the MLB.
This all changed when Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey wanted to sign Robinson and integrate the Major Leagues.
Ricky knew that Robinson would face backlash and made Robinson vow that Robinson wouldn’t retaliate or lash out on the people no matter how cruel the people would get.
People in the crowd would jeer, lash out insults and yell racist remarks to Robinson, but he did not bite.
Fans were not the only ones who gave Robinson a tough time, as some of his own teammates had displeasure for an African American joining their team. Teammates even threatened to sit out if Robinson joined the team.
The displeasure did not stop there. Other teams weren’t afraid to jab Robinson with insults and slurs when he was going up against them
Robinsons arrival brought many more African American fans to the games. Robinson was their hero and they paid money to see him. African Americans finally had someone in the Major Leagues they can relate with.
Though, still being bombarded with threats and insults having a whole a community back Robinson must have reassured him that what he was doing was bigger than baseball.
In Robinson’s first year with the Dodgers he helped the team win the National League Championship and was a major key for the Dodgers making the World Series.
He led the league in stolen bases and was named Rookie of the Year. There was no denying his talent and in 1949 he was named Most Valuable Player.
At this time Robinson became one of baseball’s favorite players. The way he played the game excited the fans. He was amazing on the base paths and stole home a total of 19 times, second all-time record behind Ty Cobb. At that time, Robinson became the highest-paid Dodgers player in their history.
Eventually Robinson’s success with baseball helped integrate all of baseball and even football and basketball. Baseball was a game for whites and blacks and the Negro League soon started to disband because of the integration. Robinson’s success on the field might have been a major reason for the abolishment of segregation in sports. He was a superstar. It was easy to get behind a player who backs it up on the field.
Robinson’s legacy would forever be enabled in the game of baseball.
In 1997, the MLB announced that they will retire Robinson’s number 42 for all MLB teams.
The honors do not stop there as every April 15th, teams and players come together to celebrate Robinson’s legacy on Jackie Robinson Day. Only on this day, players are allowed to wear 42, as each player is assigned the number on the day.
This season marked the 71st anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier. Sharon Robinson, Jackie’s daughter, celebrated the day at Citi Field in New York.
“It gives us a chance to reflect on our time with dad†she said.
Players also take the time honor Robinson’s legacy. Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper and Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano paid tribute by wearing cleats designed to honor Robinson and the number 42.
Each team wore patches on the side of their cap and sleeves of their jerseys, socks that had a 42 logo, and the MLB came out with special sweaters with the 42 logo that players were allowed to wear in the dugout and warmups.
The MLB came out with this merchandise for a good cause.
All the proceeds for the merchandise bought will go to the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
The foundation helps young minority students by giving them a four-year scholarship for college. The foundation also plans on building a museum to show the life of Jackie Robinson
Dominic Pellegrini
Sports Reporter
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