Decades after Jackie Robinson, race still an issue in sports
Rob Newett
Issue date: 5/12/06 Section: Sports
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The year is 1919. Discrimination in America is part of everyday life. African-American families at the time were more than likely to grow up poor, without purpose and without reason. So was there any way for an African-American to make a statement that would be heard? What were the odds that an African-American would rise up and make their presence felt in a world controlled by the white man?
It wasn't easy for Jackie Robinson on his long, hard road to the top. After moving to Pasadena, California and being abandoned by his father, Jackie Robinson found an escape through sports. Robinson excelled in baseball, basketball, football and track. He attended college and advanced his studies at Pasadena Junior College, then studied shortly at UCLA.
After leaving UCLA due to financial reasons, Robinson played professional football for a short period until he enlisted in the army. However, he was discharged after two years and soon began coaching basketball at Sam Houston College for Negroes in Austin, Texas. His break came in 1945 when Robinson signed a contract with the Negro baseball league. Little did Robinson know that signing with the Kansas City Monarchs would change the history of sports forever.
Branch Rickey was a well-known baseball promoter who had a vision to integrate blacks into baseball. On Rickey's mind was Jackie Robinson. He felt that Robinson had the tolerance to deal with the racial discrimination that he would receive. Rickey's actions towards integration were outvoted by other club owners. However, Commissioner A.B. Chandler dismissed the verdict.
The 1947 season opened in April and Robinson played his first major league game. He faced much discrimination by teammates and other teams. Although Robinson would struggle early on, he picked up his game and was Rookie of the Year. In 1949, Robinson won the Most Valuable Player award, helping the Dodgers win the pennant. Robinson finished his illustrious ten year career in the majors with over a .300 batting average and seven All Star Game appearances.
It wasn't easy for Jackie Robinson on his long, hard road to the top. After moving to Pasadena, California and being abandoned by his father, Jackie Robinson found an escape through sports. Robinson excelled in baseball, basketball, football and track. He attended college and advanced his studies at Pasadena Junior College, then studied shortly at UCLA.
After leaving UCLA due to financial reasons, Robinson played professional football for a short period until he enlisted in the army. However, he was discharged after two years and soon began coaching basketball at Sam Houston College for Negroes in Austin, Texas. His break came in 1945 when Robinson signed a contract with the Negro baseball league. Little did Robinson know that signing with the Kansas City Monarchs would change the history of sports forever.
Branch Rickey was a well-known baseball promoter who had a vision to integrate blacks into baseball. On Rickey's mind was Jackie Robinson. He felt that Robinson had the tolerance to deal with the racial discrimination that he would receive. Rickey's actions towards integration were outvoted by other club owners. However, Commissioner A.B. Chandler dismissed the verdict.
The 1947 season opened in April and Robinson played his first major league game. He faced much discrimination by teammates and other teams. Although Robinson would struggle early on, he picked up his game and was Rookie of the Year. In 1949, Robinson won the Most Valuable Player award, helping the Dodgers win the pennant. Robinson finished his illustrious ten year career in the majors with over a .300 batting average and seven All Star Game appearances.
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