On this date in 1947…a remarkable…and long overdo thing…happened. The 1st African-American debuted in Major League baseball. before that, some of the best players in the country played in what was called The Negro League…because they weren’t allowed to play in any other league. We will never know what Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell or Satchell Paige would have done if they had played their peak years in the majors. All 3 of them, along with several others, are in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. But they were denied the right so many other players took for granted.
On April 15, 1947, a 28-year old named Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier by breaking Spring Training camp as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He had been hand-picked by general manager Branch Rickey. Rickey was especially interested in making sure his eventual signee could withstand the inevitable racial abuse that would be directed at him. After many tryouts and interviews, he decided that Jackie was his man. And Jackie did NOT disappoint.Sadly, while many applauded the Dodgers for their move, some teams threatened to strike if they were forced to play against Robinson.
He played in 6 World Series, was voted to the all-star team 6 consecutive years, was the Rookie of the year in 1947 and the Most Valuable Player in the national league in 1949. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and had his number retired across all major league teams in 1997. He retired from baseball in 1957 and was diagnosed with diabetes. Treatment did little to help, and on October 24, 1972, weak and nearly blind, he passed away at the young age of 53. he was laid to rest at the Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn- the Jackie Robinson Parkway runs through the cemetery.
Jackie Robinson was not the only person of color to become an icon for the impact they had on desegregation and race relations…but he IS one of the best-known and best-loved. He withstood circumstances that would have crippled many- he was determined to see it through to the end, holding his head high all the while! Jackie Robinson, I salute you on this anniversary of breaking the “color barrier”. You are an inspiration to all. Thank you.
Thanks for stopping by- I pray you have a blessed day! Please make sure and come back tomorrow, and stick with Jesus!
Stick With Jesus 