Handling Hatred
http://www.loge13.com/2007/05/santo_no_tears_for_shea.php
Another reason Jackie Robinson was responsible for a turning point in history is he showed others how to handle racism with grace and dignity. Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey exclaimed that he knew he had chosen the right man, in Jackie Robinson, to integrate baseball. According to Rickey, Jackie had the courage and self control to succeed. Jackie would need self control to deal with some of the challenges he faced.
His first major racist encounter came in the Minor Leagues, when a Syracuse player tossed a black cat on the field and yelled that it was Jackie's cousin; instead of starting a fight, Jackie scored the game-winning run. He used his play instead of his fists to fight back.
His first major racist encounter came in the Minor Leagues, when a Syracuse player tossed a black cat on the field and yelled that it was Jackie's cousin; instead of starting a fight, Jackie scored the game-winning run. He used his play instead of his fists to fight back.
handling anger
http://seamheads.com/2010/03/12/ben-chapman-and-jackie-robinson/
Another encounter Jackie experienced was with the Phillies' Manager, Ben Chapman. This came just a week after Jackie joined the Dodgers. Chapman led his players in yelling at Jackie and calling him horrible names every time he stepped onto the field.
After the game, Jackie explained why he did not start a fight with the Phillies: "I could throw my bat down, stride over to that Phillies dugout, grab one of them and smash his teeth in" (Robinson). He went on to explain that this behavior does no good, and if he had acted violently, bigots would say a black man was not up to playing in the major leagues.
After the game, Jackie explained why he did not start a fight with the Phillies: "I could throw my bat down, stride over to that Phillies dugout, grab one of them and smash his teeth in" (Robinson). He went on to explain that this behavior does no good, and if he had acted violently, bigots would say a black man was not up to playing in the major leagues.
handling attacks
http://www.walkoffwalk.com/2010/04/
The last major encounter Jackie had was with Cardinals player Enos Slaughter; Slaughter was out at first base by at least ten feet, but still jumped into the air and spiked Jackie. Lying on the ground in pain, Jackie's teammates told him they would stand up for him by punching Enos Slaughter. Remembering his agreement with Branch Rickey, Jackie talked them out of it.
In addition to all the racism Jackie dealt with on the field, he also had to deal with racism off the field; on road trips, Jackie often couldn't eat at the same restaurants, drink out of the same water fountains, or go to the same restrooms as his white teammates. Throughout all these hardships, Jackie remained strong and showed others how to handle racism with grace and dignity.
In addition to all the racism Jackie dealt with on the field, he also had to deal with racism off the field; on road trips, Jackie often couldn't eat at the same restaurants, drink out of the same water fountains, or go to the same restrooms as his white teammates. Throughout all these hardships, Jackie remained strong and showed others how to handle racism with grace and dignity.
Career Achievments
- 1. Six time MLB All-Star (1949-1954)
2. World Series Champion (1955)
3. 1947 Rookie of the Year
4. 1949 National League MVP (and 1949 NL batting champion, with a .342 average)
5. Two time stolen base champion (1947, 1949)
6. Three time fielding champion, 2nd Base (1950-1951) and 3rd base (1953)
7. Career batting average of .311, career OPS (on-base % plus slugging %) of .883
8. First Ballot Hall of Famer (1962)
9. Named to Major League Baseball's All Century Team (20th Century)
Jackie was able to accomplish all of these things on the field while dealing with extreme pressure and racism.