Jackie Robinson

On this date in 1947, Jackie Robison makes his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers becoming the first African-American to play in the major leagues in the 20th Century.

"Every time I look in my pocketbook, I see Jackie Robinson." - Willie Mays

Elston Howard

On this date in 1955, Elston Howard becomes the first black player in Yankees history hitting a single in an 8-4 loss to the Red Sox.

"If Weiss (Yankees GM) had to have a Negro on the Yankees, he would have one. But only one, and he wasn't going to be an aggressive, crusading, loud-mouthed Negro like Jackie Robinson or Vic Power. He would be a Negro who would accept the conditions under which he had to play and not make trouble or headlines. He would live in segregated headquarters in spring training and in southern cities and accept it, and he would be grateful just for the opportunity to play on the Yankees." - Author Peter Golenbeck  (Dynasty: The New York Yankees, 1949 - 1964) 

Larry Doby

On this date in 1998, Larry Doby the first African-American player in the American League was elected to the Hall of Fame.

"To say I had it easy because of him (Jackie Robinson) is silly. I came in eleven weeks after he did. Eleven weeks did not alter the course of race relations in this country. Jackie and I went through a lot of the same things."   

Jackie Robinson

On this date in 1962, Jackie Robinson is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"Robinson was one player you didn't want to get riled up. Something about certain players. Get' em mad and they'd hurt you. Jackie Robinson was definitely one of them. He rose to the occasion and clobbered the tar out of us. He beat us everywhere - at bat, on the bases, in the field. Finally Ben Chapman said "Let's lay off him. It's not doing any good!'" - Andy Seminick - Phillies 

Jackie Robinson

On this date in 1956, Jackie Robinson retires from baseball rather than accept a trade from the Dodgers to the Giants.

"The way I figured it, I was even with baseball and baseball with me. The game had done much for me, and I had done much for it."

Ben Chapman

Born on this date, Ben Chapman.

"Sure I did. Everyone used those kids of words back then. Heck, we said the same things to Joe DiMaggio and Hank Greenberg." - on yelling racial slurs at Jackie Robinson during games

Buck Leonard

On this date in 1997, Negro Leaguer and Hall of Famer Buck Leonard passed away at age 90.

"I was talking about Robinson, Campy and Newk making it (out of the Negro Leagues) with Brooklyn. I'll never forget Buck's eyes filling with tears when he said, 'But it's too late for me.'" - Elwood Parsons, Dodgers scout

Jackie Robinson

On this date in 1949, Jackie Robinson is named the NL MVP after batting .342 with 16 home runs and 124 rbis.

"Jackie Robinson was the best athlete ever to play major league baseball." - Ralph Kiner

Russ Meyer

On this date in 1998, Russ Meyer passed away at age 75.

"Jackie (Robinson) was on third base one night when I was pitching against the Dodgers in Ebbets Field. Going up and down like he did, threatening to steal home. So I yelled 'Go ahead you nigger, try to steal!' Bad judgment on my part but I said it and I'm not going to deny it. Well he did try to steal on the next pitch and Frank Dascoli called him safe."

Bobby Bragan

Born on today's date, Bobby Bragan.

"Oh, I wasn't belligerent. I didn't call Jackie names or insult him in that way. I respected his ability, and it was clear to me like it was to everyone else that he was the best player we had. But on those first train rides, I can guarantee you I wasn't going to sit at the same dining table with Jackie or even have a conversation with him." - on requesting a trade from the Dodgers when they signed Jackie Robinson 

Branch Rickey signs Jackie Robinson

On this date in 1945, Branch Rickey announces the signing of Jackie Robinson by the Brooklyn Dodgers organization.

"I may not be able to do something about racism in every field, but I can sure do something about it in baseball."

Dixie Walker

Born on today's date, Dixie Walker.

"I organized a petition in 1947, not because I had anything against Robinson personally or against negroes personally. I had a wholesale business in Birmingham and people told me I'd lose my business if I played ball with a black man." - on the player petition he circulated opposing Jackie Robinson joining the Dodgers

Charlie Dressen

On this date in 1937, Charlie Dressen is fired as manager of the Reds after pressing management for a contract renewal.

"Give me five players like Jackie Robinson and a pitcher and I'll beat any nine-man team in baseball."

Willie Mays

On today's date in 1979, Willie Mays is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"When Willie was in California, whites refused to sell him a home in their community. They loved his talent, but they didn't want him for a neighbor." - Jackie Robinson

Leo Durocher

Born on today's date, Leo Durocher.

"I do not care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a zebra. I'm the manager of this team, and I say he plays. What's more, I say he can make us all rich. And if any of you cannot use that money, I will see that you are all traded." - on players' resistance to Jackie Robinson joining the Dodgers

Jackie Robinson

On this date in 1962, Jackie Robinson is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"He was the only player I ever saw in a rundown who could be safe more often than out." - Bobby Bragan

Ed Stevens

On this date in 2012, Ed Stevens passed away at age 87.

"Jackie went on to have a great career, and I give him all the credit in the world. But at that particular time, Jackie Robinson could not have taken my job. I had more power, was a better fielder and made better and more consistent contact than he did." - explaining his anger at losing his starting first base position with the Dodgers to Jackie Robinson

Ben Chapman

On this date in 1948, Ben Chapman is fired as manager of the Phillies.

"Heck yeah. Sure I did. Everyone used those kinds of words back then. It was all part of the game back then. You said anything you had to say to get an edge. Believe me, being a Sourtherner, I took a lot of abuse myself when I first played in New York. If you couldn't take it, it was a case of, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." - on his racial heckling of Jackie Robinson

Willie Mays

On this date in 1970, Willi Mays hits his 500th career home run.

"When Willie was in California, whites refused to sell him a house in their community. They loved his talent, but they didn't want him for a neighbor." - Jackie Robinson 

42 today!

 

"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."