Just A Word of ThAnX

Amen TR-
Jackie Robinson gave more to the game, and to our lives, than we may ever know. We do know for sure that the game would not be where it is today without his immense contributions. In light of this past week's racial controversy, the timing of his 60th anniversary comes at a very opportune moment. It's just like Jackie to remind us in these times of bitter divide that we're all in this together.
Thanks again 42

You are right TR, and not only was Jackie who opens the door for black americans, also for great latin black players like, Clemente, Marichal, Tiant, the Alous brothers and much more others.

Great points and I hope I add another one that can be used by everyone. Look at how Jackie Robinson handled the stuff thrown at him - with class, poise, maturity and dignity that we seem to lack by all races and classes and ages today. He turned the other cheek and took the power away from his tormentors. I can't imagine how tough he had it but I am glad he was the better man to bring about a great change in baseball and society. I truly believe without Jackie Robinson the civil rights movement is set back several years.

Larry Doby was a better player.

I don't think it really matters who was the better player. Jackie Robinson is perhaps the most important player this game has ever seen, as is Larry Doby. Their contributions have nothing to do with hits, home runs, or anything that shows up in the box score.

Been


That is not the question ----I will tell you Jackie was one exciting player to watch and the fact that he retired when the Dodgers wanted to trade him to their arch rivals , The Giants, tells you something about the man.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
Just a word of thanx to Jackie Robinson for his place in history---think about it--without him we would not have the players we have now in the bigs---and I would not have had the opportunity to see Willie Mays break in in 1951

Did anyone see Willie yesterday? I thought my favorite player would have played a significant role in the ceremonies yesterday. Hope he's alright.

There were better players than Robinson or Dolby in the Negro Leagues --- completely beside the point.

Robinson was exactly what was required at the time; a quality player with experience under pressure, poise, integrity, and the ability to understand the greater issue, beyond the playing of the game, at hand.

Orlando


Amen to that


The circumstances were right at the time he broke in and he was with the right organiztion

Don't forget the Dodgers management, who gave him the opportunity. Nor the guys like Pee Wee Reese who helped him stick it out.

According to my local newpaper this morning, Robinson was not supposed to be first, a guy named Irvin (I think) was, but he declined. He had just returned from military service and needed a rest.
Doby and the rest of them all endured what Robinson did, not to take anything away...just does seem like that whole group could have shared in the glory.

Yesterday was about Jackie Robinson. The others will have their day. Cleveland players will wear Doby's #14 on July 3. Nobody has forgotten about the white players who were part of this history, nor have any organizations been overlooked.

Cat...You're talking about Monte Irvin...a very good player.

Irvin was a fine athlete whose career ended because of a severe ankle break he got sliding into third base

Spizz, you are hardly overlooked if in the HOF!
"Overlooked" would be a matter of whose shoes you are standing in.

Good point Cat. Robinson, Doby, Irvin, and Reese are all in the HOF.
Robinson did a great deal more than the others IMHO, by being the first, taking all that heat, and THEN setting such a great example for others to follow. Others could have, but that's mere speculation.
I just wanted to remind everyone that yesterday was a moment in time to look back on 42 and his life, rather than to deflect attention onto others.

Spizz, there is no denying Robinson's was a life "well lived".