Jackie Robinson Day 2012

On a date usually associated with Income Tax (evasion) and post offices, April 15, 2012 turned back the clock to a very important event in sports and the United States. 


Major League Baseball celebrated it's fourth annual Jackie Robinson Day today. After years of following a gentleman's agreement amongst themselves, white major league baseball owners reluctantly allowed a handful of Black baseball players to compete against their boys.  In 1947 the following former colored league baseball players debuted for major league teams:


Willard Brown - St. Louis Browns


Hank Thompson - St. Louis Browns


Larry Doby - Cleveland Indians


Jackie Robinson - Brooklyn Dodgers


Of the four, it would be Jackie Robinson who'd become the poster boy for league integration.  Following in the footsteps of baseball, in 1948 the President of the United States issued executive order 9981 desegregating the military.  Though blacks had fought in all the wars of America, they had served separately under  unequal conditions.  President Truman's order didn't bring immediate equality to the military, but it paved the way toward its future and set an example for American civilian society.


In baseball, a black man by the name of Bud Fowler is said to be the first black professional baseball player.  His first game being in 1878 and his last professional game in 1888.  Not only did Fowler play but he managed a number of teams.  he's also credited with inventing the first shin guards.


Getting back to Jackie Robinson, the man suffered those first years in the majors not because of his style of play or lack of baseball smarts, but because of his color.  Yet, through it all he endured to become one of the major league greats.  The league and country are a better place for it.  

So today's acknowledgement and celebration of the man Jackie Robinson is as important a celebratory day as any. For here in this country, where a darker skin color has somehow always played a part in the equality of individuals, Jackie Robinson reminds us that the content of one's character and individual skills he/she brings to the table is all anyone should ever be judged on.  We're still learning that lesson.


Thanks #42 for your courageous contribution to humanity.


Raiderlegend: 19th Century Pioneer