1945: BASEBALL COMES OF AGE

I was only 12 years old when "Dem Bums" as they were locally known, made the then controversial decision to bring a black player to the major leagues. Many of the bigots among us swore off the the Brooklyn Dodgers, and many swore off the wonderful sport of baseball. Jackie Robinson is, and will always be one of my baseball heroes. Even though I was never a Dodger fan, the courage he exhibited during his very early years as the first black man to don a major league uniform was absolutely incredible. However, when one has an above average talent, and Lord knows this man did, the public finally realized that baseball would survive the racists among us and go on to remain "America's favorite pastime."

JoeZ said..

Tom, the Jackie Robinson Story, a movie is really great. Jackie played himself and you can just see the racism that existed against him, but his courage outlasted all the hate.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010