1. April 15, 1947 – Barrier broken
Looking back, it’s hard to understand why it didn’t happen sooner. It’s hard to fathom the talent that was never given a chance to compete all because of the color of skin.
However, also looking back, Opening Day 1947 for the Brooklyn Dodgers would not have been possible with so many of the incredibly talented players in the Negro Leagues who had come before him. Not that they didn’t have the talent, mind you, but they didn’t have the demeanor, tenacity, and, frankly, the stubbornness of Jackie Robinson.
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There’s a legitimate discussion about whether Jackie Robinson’s raw numbers merit his inclusion in the Hall of Fame. That is a discussion that could extend into a few other players who have received enshrinement for sure, not just Jackie. While he hit .311 for his career, he did just play 10 big league seasons and collect just over 1,500 hits.
Jackie Robinson is not in Cooperstown because of numbers, though. He is in Cooperstown because before he stepped on the field on April 15, 1947, no black man had been allowed to play in Major League Baseball. He’s in Cooperstown because of the door that was flung wide open upon his arrival, though he certainly endured the difficulties of being the first down the path.
On his historic debut, Jackie did not collect a hit, going 0-3 at the plate, but he did reach on an error and score a run as the Brooklyn Dodgers won the game over the Boston Braves 5-3. Whether he went 0-3 or 3-3 was not important, however. The importance of that game has to do with a man walking out onto the field to take position at first base in the top of the first inning.
Baseball’s never been the same, and thank goodness for it!
Next: Each team's Opening Day top lineup
These are the top 10 moments as viewed by this writer for Opening Day. Would you add in any different ones? Change the order? Comment below!
Enjoy Opening Day!