Today Dodger players take the field donning #42 on their jerseys honoring one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century. The number was retired ten years ago for the 50th anniversary not only for the Dodgers franchise but throughout the entire league. (In fact any player playing this evening throughout the major leagues was given the go ahead to wear the number if they so chose.)
As I was watching the ceremonies preceding this evenings game I am reminded why I am a sports enthusiast. Sport (and by "sport" I mean games, competition, and play from board games to professional athletics) offers us the opportunity to reveal character as participants or observers. Whether taking turns swinging bats at an annual picinic, discussing strategy, or intense competition, sport allows us to share laughter, thought, and struggle on fairly neutral ground. In the long run we know that it is not truely the game that matters but what we learned of the participants that does.
It was through this neutral venue that a young man was able to bear his heart in the face of criticism and death threats.
1 comment:
Well written and thoughtful,babe. You are awesome. I want to give a "shout out" to Branch Rickey who was the man that gave Jackie Robinson the opportunity. Rickey didn't have the constant hatred thrown at him, the death threats and everything, but he played a role as well. He deserves kudos for having the guts to challenge the status quo at that time in history.
The story goes that Rickey walked into the clubhouse one day and told his team that Robinson would be playing. If any of them had a problem with it they could let him know. Three players came to him in protest and those three players were promptly traded. Robinson and Rickey played a big part in ushering in the civil rights movement with their bold actions!
Loved this post..thanks for it!
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