Primary Sources

articles.philly.com

This photo is Jackie Robinson with Philadelphia Phillies manager Ben Chapman. It had earlier been reported that Chapman was yelling racial slurs from the dugout, and even threatened to withhold his team from taking the field if Jackie was on it. Despite all the hate towards him, Chapman agreed to take this picture to show that “they were all just ballplayers”. Chapman never managed again after 1947. This photo was a symbol for all of the racist fans that people could overcome their differences, and attempt to be acquaintances, if not friends.

flowfournal.org
Retiring 42- In 1997, 50 years after his debut, commissioner Bud Selig decided to retire the number 42 forever, ensuring that no one would ever wear the number 42 again (after all the #42 still in the MLB had retired). This further brought attention to how important Jackie’s legacy in baseball is.

Debut in the MLB- On April 10, 1947, Jackie Robinson’s contract was purchased by the Brooklyn Dodgers, and five days later he debuted in the MLB. Despite a lackluster 0-3 day at Ebbets Field, the day will forever live on as the day that Jackie broke the colour barrier and made the path to the MLB much easier for African Americans.

archives.gov

Telegram to the President- This telegram was sent to President Lyndon B. Johnson in response to the events in Selma, Alabama. In Selma marchers had been attacked by State Troopers on what is known as "Bloody Sunday". Robinson was justifiably horrified by these events and felt the president should take a more active stance on the issue. Robinson had also contacted many presidents previously urging them for more protection of blacks. This kind of civil rights work is a large part of his legacy.

bluebirdbanter.com

Jackie Robinson Day- Every year, on April 15th, the entire MLB celebrates the anniversary of Robinson’s debut in the MLB by celebrating Jackie Robinson Day. On that day, ceremonies are held across major league ballparks celebrating his life. One of the many honours for him is that every single player wears #42. This is a sign of how much respect all of the players have for Jackie Robinson and what he did for baseball.

britannica.com

First Contract with Branch Rickey: The first African American to sign a professional baseball contract (non-negro leagues) in about 50 years. He was signed to the Montreal Royals, minor league affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson’s contract was worth 600 dollars a month, plus a $ 3500 signing bonus. In the contract, there was a clause saying that he “could not talk back to any violent hecklers”. This contract is obviously very important as it was the gateway to getting a black man to play in the MLB.

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Death Threats: These are some of the many notes that Jackie Robinson got sent to him constantly. Almost every game there were threats saying that he would be shot out in the field or that they would break into a hotel and murder him. Once it was leaked that he was going through all of this off the field suffering, it gave the public a greater respect for him.

americaslibrary.gov

First Game- This newspaper clipping is from April 16 1947, the day after his MLB debut. While Jackie did not have the best day, going 0-3, the newspaper still paints him in a positive light showing that he had the support of many people. This clipping also shows how big a deal this news was based on how much of the paper was dedicated to Jackie Robinson who did not even have a particularly good game.