Jackie Robinson's birth anniversary

[Bluzmann57]

I forgot about this until today, what with all the madness going on, but January 31 marks the anniversary of the birth of a great American, Jackie Robinson. Yeah, I know a lot of people in here don't care about baseball, but Robinson was a trailblazer in America as well as baseball. He had to overcome a lot of crap just to be able to play baseball. And after his playing days were over, he stood sisde by side with Martin Luther King, as well as establishing a foundation which gives scholarships to minority students. So happy belated Jackie Robinon. I think it is a shame that so many young people don't know about him and his trailblazing for all African-Americans, baseball players and otherwise. Born 1919, died 1972. Gone too soon but left a wonderful legacy.
Mods, if this post in this forum is inappropriate, I apologize. I just thought that Robinson transcends sports.

[Blue_Tires]

1. ttt n/t

[mrfrapp]

2. Happy Birthday Jackie.

"I think it is a shame that so many young people don't know about him and his trailblazing for all African-Americans, baseball players and otherwise"

Damn right. Jackie Robinson's contribution to society is supremely important and he will always be remembered not just for his baseball but also his courage. Even over here in the UK his name is synonymous with equality in sport so please, don't worry whether this is appropriate. Remembrance of Jackie Robinson will always be appropriate.

Thanks for the heads up. I wouldn't have known it was his anniversary otherwise.

[bumblebee1]

3. I read about Jackie Robinson's work

for minority rights in Dave Zirin's book " What's My Name, Fool?"

[Carla in Ca]

4. Thanks for the reminder

Although I never saw him play, his legacy has been honored here in Los Angeles. His number 42 was retired here in 1971, along with two other greats, Campanella and Koufax. As a life-long Dodger fan, I've witnessed many tributes, and heard many stories from another great, Vin Scully.

A few years ago, my husband gave me a framed photo(34x28) of Jackie stealing home and it hangs proudly in my craft room. I also have commemorative photos of my two other favorites, Willie Mays and Don Drysdale. I get a kick when people who see them think they belong to my husband. I tell them no, they are mine.:)

Here is a google image:




Did You Know... that in 1941, Jackie Robinson became the first athlete in the history of UCLA to letter in four sports (baseball, football, basketball and track) in the same year?

Thanks for posting!

[oasis]

5. Jackie's up there in same league as Rosa Parks and Ghandi. Coretta King

passed away on his birthday. All were exceptional human beings.