Pittsburgh Courier sportswriter Wendell Smith wrote an encouraging letter to Jackie Robinson on Feb. 4, 1947. Smith told Robinson, a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ minor league farm team in Montreal, that “You should not worry about the plans they have for you.” “As I see it you are definitely going to get a chance,” Smith wrote. “All you have to do is keep a cool head, … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Jackie Robinson’s Last Game Before Historic Debut
His general manager had made the announcement to the press just four days earlier: Jackie Robinson's contract had been purchased from the Brooklyn Dodgers' minor league affiliate in Montreal. Branch Rickey had seen all he needed to see of Robinson's ability but it would be important to get him on the field in a Dodgers uniform prior to the team's opening game on … [Read more...]
Hello, Jackie: Original 1947 Robinson Arrival Photo Leads off RMY Sale
A fresh-to-market original news photo dating to one of the most famous events in baseball history leads off RMY Auctions’ latest online catalog. The 7 x 8 ½ inch Acme News image shows Jackie Robinson posed in front of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ clubhouse door on April 10, 1947. The photo is different than the more commonly seen image of Robinson with his glove raised. … [Read more...]
1947 DiMaggio Jersey Coming to Auction This Fall
Baseball’s 1947 season is known for the debut of Jackie Robinson, who broke down the game’s longstanding barrier. Robinson’s effect on the Dodgers was immediate and in the fall, Brooklyn found itself in an all-New York World Series against the Yankees. The American Leaguers had a superstar of their own, though, and ultimately the Yankees would win their 11th … [Read more...]
Jackie Robinson Baseball Cards: A Guide to His Best
Jackie Robinson baseball cards have always been popular and what few game worn jerseys, bats and other items have survived always sell for significant amounts of money. While no mainstream card company really existed in the aftermath of World War II, there were cards issued of him in 1947 and by '48, bubble gum and cards were back together again and Robinson helped usher … [Read more...]
Photo Herald’s Jackie’s Arrival with Passionate Commentary
Jackie Robinson’s debut on April 15, 1947 brought unprecedented attention to baseball as a vehicle for social change. Coverage of athletics sometimes transcended the sports pages, but Robinson’s debut made news around the world. While resistance among some fellow players and fans made life difficult for Robinson and some of those who followed, his arrival was celebrated in … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Original Image From Jackie Robinson MVP Presentation
Two years after the end of World War II, baseball also began a new era. Gone was the unspoken but very real segregation of professional baseball. Jackie Robinson was a Brooklyn Dodger and while it would take several more years for the major leagues to be completely integrated, the message was clear: fans would get a chance to see all of the best players. Our Photo of the … [Read more...]