Jackie Robinson and the Color Barrier

When Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman Jackie Robinson stepped onto Ebbets Field in the first inning of a game against the Boston Braves on April 15th, 1947, he became the first Black player in the Major Leagues since 1884, when catcher Moses Walker played in 42 games for the Toledo Blue Stockings (Light 119). For the next 60 years, an unwritten rule separated the two races, but Robinson changed all of that. While he had a relatively uneventful day on the field, going 0-3,the 28 year old Jackie scored the deciding run in a 5-3 victory (Dunham). More importantly, however, Robinson’s appearance represented an impending permanent change in the nation’s pastime that would forever shape the forces of modern baseball. By becoming the first Black to play modernized baseball, Robinson opened the door for many other achievements and firsts by African Americans. This impact can still be seen today, as Robinson’s arrival set the precedence for the shift from baseball being an all white sport to a sport of all ethnic backgrounds by opening up racial barriers. It can also be said that the way that Jackie’s events unfolded helped to spearhead the Civil Rights movement by bringing to light the important issues that faced the Blacks, especially with his calm reaction to the daily death threats that he and his family received. Robinson starting the full integration of baseball also led to an era of dominance by the National League, winning a majority of the All Star games from 1950 to 1982. These dominant National League teams were led mostly by African American players, something that the American League was not as quick to pick up on. The overall impact of Jackie Robinson was widespread, as his effect on baseball is still seen today, with his number 42 jersey being retired by all of baseball in 1997 as a lasting tribute to the profound effect he had on modern baseball (Light 781). Perhaps the most obvious impact of Jackie Robinson’s appearance in professional baseball was the