God knows I am not and never will be a Dodgers fan...

[katster]

But even I have to agree that the Dodgers (and Branch Rickey especially) did something right sixty years ago in sending Jackie Robinson out to play first base. A lot is made about integration in the armed forces leading to the civil rights movement, but I think there's a bit to be said about integration in America's pastime helping that along. (I also have to give a nod to the Dodgers' farm team in Montreal, for loudly accepting Jackie Robinson the year before, which helped pave the way.)



Fittingly, the only number retired by all major-league baseball teams is 42, Jackie Robinson's number. It is right and fitting that he wore the number which is the answer. :)

[Hat tip to slacktivist, which reminded me.]

Comments

[bassbone.livejournal.com]

You're just mad because we beat the Jints up in the last series. ;-)

I listened to some of the pre-game ceremonies before the Dodger game today. There was some beautiful stuff said. Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, made a very stirring speech and later joined the broadcasters in the booth during the 3rd inning. Every player on the Dodgers roster wore number 42 today, which I thought was a touching tribute to a great man. Also a graduate of my current school (Pasadena City College, then Pasadena Junior College)!

[katster.livejournal.com]

Bah, no, I hate the Dodgers even when they suck. It's like Yankees and Red Sox. ;)

But yeah, I didn't catch the ceremonies (I've been at a con all weekend), but I've always been fond of Jackie Robinson. I'm glad I got reminded to say something about it when I saw it on Slacktivist. As I said, I may hate the Dodgers, but they did the right thing here.

And yay for famous alumni from your college!

-kat