When Jackie Robinson was recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, National history was made. Until this point, American sports were largely segregated for a great variety of reasons; while there were no legal laws against such a thing, to sign colored players to the roster of major league baseball teams with an expectation of any measurable success was unthinkable! Despite all of this, however, Brooklyn Dodgers’ general manager Branch Rickey assigned Robinson to first base, and during his debut on Ebbett’s Field in April of 1947, Robinson contributed to the Dodgers’ 5-3 victory, effectively getting his foot in the door, not just for himself, but thousands of other major league colored players in the decades to come.
Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919. The youngest of 5 siblings, Robinson was raised primarily by his mother, as his father left the family when he was 1-year-old. Following the departure of his father, Robinson’s family moved to Pasadena, California, where they encountered, but endured, racial prejudice. Robinson’s involvement in sports began during his high school years, in which he successfully played a role in baseball, football, basketball, and track at John Muir High School. Robinson continued to follow his passion for sports at Pasadena Junior College. Despite a generally amiable, lively nature, however, Robinson held a short temper towards racial intolerance and antagonism. This temper would become a significant obstacle for him in the years to come.
Robinson’s professional baseball career began in early 1945 when the Kansas City Monarchs issued him a written offer to play in the Negro leagues. Accepting the offer, Robinson began his career in professional baseball. While he was paid $400 a month, Robinson was simultaneously disgusted by the disorganization of the Negro teams in comparison to the structured college environment to which he was accustomed. Robinson played a total of 47 games with the Monarchs as shortstop.
No doubt you’ve seen boxing and MMA on TV, and thought to yourself that these people aren’t the sort you’d like to rub up the wrong way. Indeed, participating in martial arts requires a high pain tolerance, excellent conditioning and a willingness to inflict damage on your opponent.
Downhill skiing is a sport that provides people of nearly all ages a great source of pleasure and excitement. For many, there is something special about downhill skiing. For those who would like to learn how to ski, here is a brief guide that will highlight various necessities in skiing downhill.
The Sports Archives Blog 