Racism and Jackie Robinson
Racism: Definition Racism is the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. People with racist beliefs might hate certain groups of people according to their racial groups.
Baseball-Segregation Negro leagues due to Jim Crow legislation Shoddy conditions No fine ballparks Unreliable travel arrangement But…..lots of talent!!!! Usually won all-star games against white players
Branch Rickey General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers (now the LA Dodgers) Wanted to make baseball the national pastime for all Americans Needed to find a great African-American player who was also a great person
Jackie Roosevelt Robinson-great choice Signs with Rickey to play for Brooklyn Dodgers UCLA graduate and ex-Army officer Some players refused to play on a team with a black man Rickey traded them
April 15, 1947-the barrier is down Played first game 0 for 4 and did not do much better for the rest of the week Despite verbal and physical abuse (other players spiking him), his bat came alive
First Season—already a stand-out! Stolen bases: first in league Tied for team lead in homers Sporting News “Rookie of the Year” Dodgers win National League title Attendance soared!
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”