Here's To You, Jackie Robinson...


I usually don't get into sportstalk, as in discussing which team (or player) is at the top of the game these days, because I invariably wander back to when sports were....well, sports, as in a lot better to watch and follow. I can't express the fundamental joy of talking about Hank Aaron when someone brings up Barry Bonds.
It all comes down to one word for me, and that's CLASS.

Hammerin' Hank had it, and so did the pioneer of baseball's black athletes (when they were actually athletes), namely Jackie Robinson.

I found myself watching some retrospects on Jackie, and I think: "Now THAT was one man that had CLASS". His widow recalled his love of the game, his love for his family, and an overwhelming love of life. And this was an era before the civil rights movement. Truly remarkable for his time, and in many ways, a man AHEAD of his time.
This was a time where death threats to Jackie were commonplace, yet he proved to these nay-sayers that there was most certainly a place in baseball for a person of color. If you want to talk REAL American Hero...this man was as REAL as it could possible get. He took all the insults without losing the composure that made him a man among men. He didn't return epithets with epithets; rather he let his ability on the ball field speak (much more loudly) for him, as well as his conduct away from the game. He taught the skeptics by example.

Jackie began his major league career on April 15, 1947, and retired after the 1956 season. Not a very long stint, and yet, in those nine years, he has made more of a positive impact upon the game of baseball that one could ever imagine. One cannot help but think of Jackie Robinson when you bring up names such as Hank Aaron, Dave Winfield, Bob Gibson, Frank Morgan, Frank Robinson, Manny Mota, Rod Carew, Al Bumbry, Lou Brock, Don Newcombe, (and many more).

Of course there were the accolades and celebratory rememberances yesterday for Jackie who passed away at the (early) age of 53 back in 1972. All ball teams have permanently retired his number (42) in honor of him.

But Jackie's entrance into this former "all-white" sport was more about playing the game...much more. It was a demonstration as to what makes up a man. What is "he" willing to accomplish, under incredible odds? What is "he" willing to endure to achieve "his" goal? I would say Jackie did EXACTLY what he set out to do, and in the best manner possible. He valued the GAME. He valued his FAMILY, and he valued the COLOR of his skin. And he made it ALL work while having more class than most of his contemporaries.

After his retirement he labored with the civil rights movement, but never with a fist in the air, or a scowl on his face. His widow created a foundation in 1973 to raise money for scholarships for qualified minorities in his name. Truly an enduring legacy.

The shame in all of this is that today's black athletes aren't paying back what they ALL owe Jackie. It reminds me of someone you owe money to...you don't repay them with a slap across their face or the swagger of misplaced arrogance. That's just not the best way to endear them to you, or you to them. We see this today. We have overpaid "prima-donnas" that will toss a fist at the drop of a hat to another player or even a fan.
We see "athletes" with more attitude than actual ability. We see notable sports figures, more concerned over their latest ENDORSEMENTS. We see "athletes" being busted for drugs, guns, DUIs, and even rape. Cripes, it sounds more like a typical day in "da hood", than a day at the arena or ball field. Where is the CLASS? Where is the INTEGRITY?

We've had men such as Jesse Owens, Joe Louis and Jackie Robinson lead the way for others to follow. Some have, and by following in such notable footsteps, have been a credit to their sport as well as to their race. Sadly, many others when given the exact same opportunity, have failed miserably.

So while it's fine and dandy to lavish praise upon a man such as Jackie Robinson, who richly deserved every bit of it...and perhaps even more, it should make us step back a few paces, and see whether or not the mantle of integrity and pride, formerly carried by one Jackie Robinson, and passed on to future generations of black athleticism, is being held in as high esteem TODAY... and for the right reasons.

Jackie "opened the door", as it were. Many who followed chose to enter, proving themselves as well; others remained outside, and some even act as though the door never existed.

I think Jackie Robinson believed what needed to be done.

And we're ALL better for HIS belief.