Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey
On this date in 1947, the first Black man played in a major league baseball game.
Jackie Robinson's first major-league game (with the Brooklyn Dodgers) was the episode: "It was the most eagerly anticipated debut in the annals of the national pastime," wrote one sports writer. "It represented both the dream and the fear of equal opportunity, and it would change forever the complexion of the game and the attitudes of Americans."
Robinson started at first base and went hitless but did score the winning run. He also won “Rookie of the Year” honors in his first major league season.
20th Century Baseball Chronicle
Year-By-Year History of major league Baseball
Copyright 1999, Publications International Ltd.
ISBN 0-7853-4074-2
