Dodgers History: Jackie Robinson’s Five Greatest Moments
By David Hill
The color barrier finally falls
It is a common misconception that Jackie Robinson was the first black player in MLB history. However, that honor belongs to Fleet Walker, who was later joined by his brother, Welday Walker, on the 1884 Toledo Blue Stockings. Even before the two brothers, Bill White played a single game at first for the Providence Grays in 1879, potentially becoming the first black player in the history of the game.
However, by the time that Branch Rickey signed Robinson, it had been several generations since the Walkers played. In fact, Robinson even had a tryout with the Giants several years before, but was not signed due to the color of his skin. Rickey had Robinson spent the 1946 campaign in Montreal, where he became a beloved figure en route to winning the 1946 International League MVP award.
It was obvious that Robinson belonged at the Major League level. Rickey could no longer keep him out of the spotlight, naming him the starting first baseman for the team prior to the 1947 campaign. When word broke that Robinson would be on the team, several Dodgers players threatened to strike unless Robinson was let go. Fortunately, Robinson had a powerful ally in manager Leo Durocher, who ended that potential mutiny quickly, while ensuring that his future star kept his place.
On this day in 1947, Robinson made his Major League debut. It was not exactly earth shattering, as he was 0-3 with a run scored, but history had been made. Robinson broke the color barrier, and in doing so, ended 63 years of segregation.
Robinson became an inspiration instantly, but that was only the beginning of his journey in the Majors.