LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Jackie Robinson: Teams
built 627 days ago
Most of Jackie Robinson’s biggest challenges were off-field. In spite of his sterling performance on the field, his team mates signed a petition to get him off the team. Base runners dug kicked their spiked shoes into his shins and substitutes on the bench exhorted him to carry their bags and drinks. Fans of the Brooklyn Dodgers preferred that the team lose without Robinson than win with him in the team.
Source:
With his place in baseball firmly established, Robinson went on to great success. He was moved to a more natural postion, second base, in 1948. In 1949, he won the NL batting title and was named the NL MVP. Besides winning the batting title in 1949, he led the league in stolen bases (2nd time) and runs produced - besides finishing in the top five in several other batting departments. Later in his career he was moved away from second base, dividing his time between third base and the outfield. The Dodgers attempted to trade Robinson to the New York Giants, but Robinson refused to report to his new team and retired instead.
Source:
In his first season with the Dodgers, the players made life difficult for Jackie Robinson. A group of Dodger players, led by Dixie Walker, suggested they would strike rather than play alongside Robinson. But the team management told them that Jackie would play and that Dixie and his mates could leave if they wished. Robinson found solace in the company of Pittsburgh Pirate - Hank Greenberg, the first major Jewish baseball star who had experienced anti-Semitic abuse. Jackie Robinson formed a very effective combination with shortstop Pee Wee Reese. Jackie Robinson was named Rookie of the year in 1947.
Source:
Robinson did not stay at the Chase Hotel with the rest of the team in St. Louis. Although he was not personally refused by the management of the hotel, he learned that they were not anxious to have him. Consequently he voluntarily stepped out of the picture in order to avoid any controversy. The first night he stayed with an old Army pal, Joe Neal, who is the director of the Neighborhood House, a St. Louis community center, and the next night at the Deluxe Hotel, owned and operated by Charles Abernathy, prominent Negro realtor, and close friend to Joe Louis and other celebrities.
Source:
Robinson was a star in Montréal and after one season he was called up to the big leagues. When he made his Brooklyn debut on April 15, 1947, Robinson became the first black player to compete in the major leagues in the 20th century. (Several black players played on professional teams in the 19th century before club owners agreed to an informal ban on signing such players.)
Source:
Robinson let his playing do the talking, and before long he was known as one of the most exciting players in baseball. Soon fans both black and white were filling ballparks to see him in action, and the Dodgers set new attendance records. Most of his fellow teammates fully supported him as they became convinced of Robinson's value to the club. Despite the adversity he faced, Robinson led the league in stolen bases and was named Rookie of the Year.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Teams