9781422284193

GREATEST MOMENTS

Gehrig’s speech may be the most famous moment in baseball history, but the most important moment could well be the signing of Jackie Robinson in 1947. Robinson, an African American, was playing in the segregated Negro Leagues when Branch Rickey, president of the Brooklyn Dodgers, approached him. There were no black players in the Major Leagues, but Rickey wanted to change that. Rickey signed Robinson to a minor league contract in 1946, and then in 1947 Robinson was called up to the Dodgers before the season. He made his debut on April 15, 1947, breaking the race barrier and paving the way for other black players to be signed. Despite being harassed and threatened by opposing teams and players, Robinson played well and was named Rookie of the Year for the season. By 1959, all teams had at least one black player. Every team in baseball has retired Robinson’s number 42 as a tribute to his legacy. Jackie Robinson Integrates Baseball

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