April 15th is “Tax Day” no more. It is a day that is worthy of celebration for more reasons than simply getting your taxes done on time. April 15th marks the anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers–the first to break the color barrier in the modern era of professional baseball.
Teams throughout the league are set to honor Jackie’s accomplishment, as well as one of the best decisions ever made within the realm of baseball management–props to Branch Rickey for putting the contract on the table, and to Dodgers manager Leo Durocher for laying the verbal smack to anyone who whined about the integration of the great American pastime. Several of the Brooklyn Dodgers stated that they would rather sit on the bench than play with Robinson, to which Durocher replied:
“I do not care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a fuckin’ 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 the money, I will see that you are all traded.”
Jackie walked a fine line as a youth. When he decided to join a neighborhood gang, it was friend, mentor and local auto mechanic Carl Anderson who talked some sense into the young Robinson. His athletic siblings suggested that Jackie pursue his own interest in sports–advice that would prove profitable over the years.
After graduating from John Muir High School, Jackie enrolled at Pasadena Community College where he was a stand-out, four-sport athlete. After finishing his two years at PCC, he enrolled at UCLA where he became the first athlete in school history to letter in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track.
The Dodgers will celebrate Jackie Robinson’s legacy tonight during pre-game, and following the game vs. the Cardinals with a fireworks display. Game time is set for 7:10 pm PDT.
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