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.”