Jackie Robinson Day celebrates the day he became the first Black player in Major League Baseball. It was the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field on opening day April 15, 1947. Major League Baseball established Jackie Robinson Day in 2004.
Jackie Robinson’s Incredible Talent and Character
It wasn’t just a matter of talent, although Robinson went on to be the 1947 Rookie of the Year, an All-Star for six consecutive seasons from 1949 – 1954, the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1949, and a World Champion with the 1955 Dodgers.
It took a lot of courage, tremendous character actually. People who break down barriers absorb a lot of hate. We have to be twice as good in order to be accepted as equals. We have to stay calm and noble in the face of the most ridiculous and undeserved attacks.
A Great American
Major League Baseball universally retired Jackie Robinson’s #42 in 1997. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Jackie Robinson didn’t succeed just for himself. He set an example for all of us, regardless of our heritage. The distribution of genius is equal across all races and places. Any leader who doesn’t want to benefit from the talent of all their people is a fool. When faced with fools, we can carry on with pride knowing that we walk in the footsteps of giants like Jackie Robinson.