Existing comment:
Jackie Robinson Breaking the "Color Line"
When Jackie Robinson (1919–1972) began his rookie season with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, he became the first African American to play major league baseball in the twentieth century, breaking down the "color line" in effect since 1876. In this letter to Ralph Norton, a fellow alumnus of Pasadena Junior College, Robinson reports on his historic debut, the appointment of the Dodgers' manager, and the welfare of his wife and infant son.
"Well Ralph outside of baseball everything is O.K. My wife and baby are fine and we now have an apartment even though we have to share it with the owner. Our new manager is really a contrast to Leo Durocher. He doesn't have much to say but he knows baseball. Well Ralph I hope to see you for a while in St. Louis. It's pretty tough getting away from the mobs at the park but I hope to see you soon. Sincerely, Jack Robinson" |