The Brooklyn Dodgers purchased the contract of Jackie Robinson from the Montreal Royals on April 10, 1947. With the purchase of his contract, he was officially in the Big Leagues. Five days later was Jackie’s Big League debut playing the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. It wasn’t the best day for Jackie as he was hitless in 3 at bats, walked and scored once. Even though this wasn’t a great game for Jackie, it was a huge milestone for him and helped open the door for other African-American baseball players because this was the first African-American to play in the MLB. After playing the rest of the 1947 season, Robinson was named the National League’s Rookie of the Year. This award proved that Jackie Robinson and people of any color could to compete in the league, but even with this success came hardships.
When Robinson first arrived in Brooklyn some of his southern teammates circulated a petition on him playing.
Dixie Walker, a southern player playing with Brooklyn, demanded to be traded because he didn’t want to be on the same team as Jackie. Fans at visiting ballparks screamed insults and booed while he entered the park. Robinson ignored what was happening. However one instance caught Robinson by surprise. While sliding head first into second base, the Cubs shortstop kicked him in the head to scare him out of playing. Also, pitchers would try to hit Robinson while he was up to bat, and people even went out of their way to send letters saying that he was going to die along with the rest of his family. This shows the amount of courage that Robinson had to not give up and keep fighting for his equality in the league and in society.
Jackie Robinson’s presence in the MLB had a huge impact on the future of baseball. He didn’t only break the color barrier, but he acted as a leader. and a role model towards everyone who watched him play. For this, he will forever be remembered.
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson
Jan. 31, 1919-Oct. 24, 1977
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