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Jackie Robinson: Games
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Robinson was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1949, winning the batting title that season with a .342 average. He stole home base nineteen times in his career, and in 1954, when he was thirty-five years old, he became the first National Leaguer in nearly twenty-six years to steal his way around the bases. A strong-fielding second baseman, he and Dodger shortstop Pee Wee Reese formed one of the game's greatest double-play combinations. In 1956 he was traded to the New York Giants, but he retired from baseball instead of accepting the trade. Robinson was inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962.
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Robinson was a crucial component of the 1951 "Miracle of Coogan's Bluff" pennant race. On the final day of the season, and with the Giants having already won their game, the Dodgers needed to beat the Phillies just to force a playoff. The game went into extra innings, and in the bottom of the 12th inning, Philadelphia loaded the bases with one out. Robinson made a season-saving defensive play: diving for a soft liner to his right, he injured his elbow but was able to convert the catch into a double play. Robinson then hit a game-winning home run in the 14th inning.
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Baseball Hall of Famer and Kentucky senator Jim Bunning lends his support to the move to honor Jackie Robinson. (AP) Robinson played all but three games his first season "despite threats on his life, the weight of a people on his shoulders and racist taunts," said his daughter, Sharon. On the 50th anniversary of his major league debut, the league retired his No. 42. Since
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Robinson's Hall of Fame plaque records the highlights of his brilliant career. With the Brooklyn National League 1947 to 1956, he was the leading National League batter in 1949 and holds the fielding mark for second baseman, playing 150 or more games with .992. He led the National League in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949 and was named Most Valuable Player in 1949. He is joint record holder for most double plays by second basemen, 137 in 1951. He led second basemen in double plays from 1949 through 1952.
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Jackie plays in his first major league game. During the season he is taunted by players and fans. His salary is $5,000, plus a $3,500 bonus. Robinson is named the National League Rookie of the Year. A son, Jackie Jr., is born.
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J[A]ck Roosevelt Robinson (1919-72), the first black man to "officially" play in the big leagues in the 20th century, possessed enormous physical talent and a fierce determination to succeed. In the course of a distinguished 10-year career beginning in 1947, Robinson led the Brooklyn Dodgers to six National League titles and one victorious World Series. Beyond his many and stellar baseball feats, Jackie Robinson went on to champion the cause of civil rights when he retired from the game. -Rachel Robinson
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