Jackie Robinson Day

On this date in 1947, Jackie Robinson is credited with being the first African American baseball player, which is false. Robinson was the first black player of the 20th century, which is an important distinction. Up until the end of the 1884 season, baseball was actually integrated. Welday Walker, and his brother Fleet, were the last black players before Jackie Robinson, playing for the Toledo Blue Stockings.

While these players had significant disadvantages and had to fight to play in leagues with white players, it was not until 1885 when the color line came into being. Star players of the time, most notably Cap Anson, took advantage of the increasing close mindedness as the 1880's progressed, and managed to make organized baseball off limits for black players. In response, leagues made up strictly of black players were created, and lasted until the 1950's.

With the support of commissioner Happy Chandler, the Brooklyn Dodgers signed Robinson in 1946 to their minor league team - the Montreal Royals. He was then brought up in 1947, causing the re-integration of baseball. Soon, other teams followed along, with Larry Doby becoming the first black player in the American League on July 5th. The last teams to integrate were the New York Yankees with Elston Howard, and the Boston Red Sox with Pumpsie Green.

However, despite this, it took until 1975 before a black manager was named. Frank Robinson became the player/manager of the Cleveland Indians. At the time of the 40th anniversary of Robinson breaking through the color line, Robinson was still the only black person to manage a full season in the major leagues. Further resistance to integration came from the Southern League, which ended up having to be disbanded in 1961 due to their refusal to permit black players to play for their clubs.

On this day, let us celebrate Jackie Robinson for bringing about a new era of integration in Major League Baseball. However, let us not forget that there were black players prior to his arrival.

On a side note, should any of you have the opportunity to visit the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City, MO, I strongly encourage you to do so. It is a great place, and has an amazing collection of artifacts from that era of baseball. The price of admission a couple years ago when I was there was only $8.00, and it is well worth the money spent.