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Showing posts from April, 2007

Where have you gone Jackie Robinson? Inequality still dogs sports, society...

Today, April 15, 2007 marks the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in Major League baseball. Robinson became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues when he suited up at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Robinson was more than a baseball player; he was a pioneer, activist, and man who ignited change in American sport and society despite racism. Jackie Robinson was an exceptional baseball player. He played his entire career with the Dodgers from 1947-1956. In his first year with the Dodgers Robinson was named Rookie of the year in the National League. In 1949 Robinson had his finest season where he had a .342 batting average and was named the Most Valuable Player. In 1955 the Robinson help lead the Dodgers to a World Series title in 1955 over the perennial American League power New York Yankees. Before gaining notoriety as being the first African American to break baseball’s color barrier Robinson served in the military and was a