Jackie Robinson, role model of the century

Jackie Robinson is one of the most influential people in American history. Everybody knows Robinson as an amazing baseball player that fought through the harsh conditions of competing in the “white” major leagues. Not only was Robinson a phenomenal player, but he was a humble human being as well. He paved the way for not only colored ball players, but also for civil rights activists as well.

Robinson had to play with the terrors of racism. He had to sleep away from his teammates and even had to scour for food alone. He was not allowed in most facilities with his teammates, so he was on his own most of the time. Not only did Robinson overcome these harsh conditions, but he performed terrifically in them. He led the Brooklyn Dodgers to the World Series in his first year on the team.

Robinson fought off racism by showing how wonderful he played on the field, performing proficiently on both offense and defense. With his extraordinary charisma and athletics, Robinson was able to win over the hearts of thousands of whites that loved to watch him play, something no other African American player could say they’ve done. With thousands of fans behind him, Robinson was able to prove that blacks could sell out stadiums just as well as whites could, which led to other teams singing African American players.

Robinson was the greatest role model in the middle of the 20th century, but why is he still praised today? If you look at baseball today, there is a diverse range of nationalities. Robinson was the perfect person to not only win over fans with his skills, but to shrug off any harsh actions thrown his way. Robinson is inspirational in the way he handled adversity and flourished both on and off the field.

Jackie Robinson's contribution to the Civil Rights Movement

Jackie Robinson - Wikimedia Commons

The people of the United States voted Barack Obama to office on November 4, 2008, making him the first black president in American history. One can walk down the streets of New York and see people of all colors sharing the same schools, restaurants, and hotels. Although this generation is used to seeing equality in America and the thought of segregation does not cross the average Joe’s mind, it was not always like this.

During the 1940's, everything was segregated from bathrooms and water fountains, to schools and professional sports. Although there is still some discrimination in the United States, there are many laws to prevent segregation and there are organizations such as NAACP that are still trying to advance civil rights. Perhaps the most significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement was Jackie Robinson, who paved the way for future athletes and all people of color to be treated equally.

Signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, Robinson had to endure much hate and discrimination in Major League Baseball. Despite his incredible talent, baseball fans did not accept him upon entering the league, and neither did some members of his team. The hotels that the Dodgers would stay at while traveling from city to city did not allow blacks. Robinson would have to find places to stay, which would not always be easy to find even in the same part of town. This is a task Robinson had to get used to in addition to being tired from practice, games, and time on the road. If the restaurants that the Dodgers would eat at did not allow blacks, he would have to either find a different restaurant or wait for his teammates to bring him some take-out after they ate.

His opponents also tried to hurt him on the field, from spiking him harder and more often than other players, to picking fights with him, knowing he was not allowed to fight back. Experiencing all these horrendous conditions, Robinson was still able to take the Dodgers to the World Series in his first year.

His incredible talent showed scouts that whites were not the only ones who can play baseball. The fact that he broke the barrier between whites and colored people in MLB contributed greatly to the Civil Rights Movement, not only in sports, but all angles of life.

Remembering Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson - Wikimedia Commons

Jackie Robinson’s battle against racism, segregation, and discrimination for his ten-year baseball career had an impact on America as it is today. Not only was he a role model for the colored athletes to come, but his skills and dedication for baseball made him an extraordinary player.

On October 3rd, 1945 Robinson signed a contract to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers with the help of Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey. This marked a turning point in American history, as Robinson was the first black person to break the racial barriers in baseball set against people of color. When Robinson was going to sign the contract, Rickey wanted a person that was able to take all the hate and racial slurs that were going to be thrown at him during the games. Robinson fit that persona, and knew that in order to set an example for everyone he had to prove that he had the strength to withstand the discriminatory Americans and ball players at the time.

In the beginning of Robinson’s career, he had to face challenges that the rest of his team didn’t have to worry about.In America at that time his skin color did not let him sleep in the same hotels, or even eat at the same restaurants as his teammates. Robinson had to find ways around these problems for multiple years until people became more tolerant and were willing to let people of color use their services. However, all of this did not happen overnight for Robinson, but the extent to which people were segregated in America declined over the span of many years.

Robinson’s battle against baseball’s color barrier paved the road for many people in America. His skills were not the only thing that made him memorable in baseball, but his patience and self control are what showed people that they deserved their rights. Robinson’s impact on America is still relevant today and his influence played a big role not only in baseball, but permanently changed all sports throughout American society.

Jackie Robinson, a man to remember

Jackie Robinson signs autographs / Boston Public Library - Flickr.com

You can’t go long into baseball history without stumbling upon Jackie Robinson. It seems like he is everywhere. What makes him special? Robinson opened the doors for further acceptance of minorities in the United States of America. Upon being signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers to play for the Montreal Royals, Robinson was faced with the task of tearing down the color barrier.

In order to end segregation in Major League Baseball, Robinson had to perform with greater expectations. Robinson’s numbers on the box score were carefully watched and he was forced to put up with any racism he faced. These injustices ranged from not being able to eat with his team, to opponents being extra rough when playing against him. In a way, Robinson’s fights were best fought with patience.

His rookie year demonstrated that Robinson played better than most of the other ball players in MLB. Fans couldn’t even point to Robinson’s personality as reason to hate him because Robinson didn’t fight back. Slowly, people began realizing that their hatred of Robinson was only for the color of his skin rather than his ability on the field. Once the talent and traits of Robinson became apparent, people realized that the outside appearance of a man has no impact on what kind of human he is.

Robinson’s inclusion and success in MLB lead to further acceptance of other minorities into the world of sports. This occurred through the bondage people share when playing sports with one another. Much of the better jobs in society were not given to minorities, but like many movements throughout history, it took small events or actions to start a snowball effect. Fast forward to the present and there now is a black president running the United States of America. This huge feat could not have happened without Robinson showing the nation that a man should not be judged by outside appearance, but rather the inner qualities that make up who he really is.

Robinson strives for equality

Jackie Robinson /  Abayomi Azikiwi-Flickr

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Robinson began playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and with his accomplishments he was able to influence many other people. 

Robinson was the only African American playing in the major leagues at the time, therefore he had to prove that he was as good as any other player on the league. Even though, many people did not want him to play and did not support him because of his skin color, he strived to make good plays and help the Dodgers win. As he continued to play, he showed people that he made a lot of contributions to the team and soon his teammates began to accept him as a player. This was the first time that people in baseball that people began to view African Americans in a different way and saw that they had the potential of doing great things.

After Robinson other African Americans were inspired to fight for their rights because they saw that they had a chance to being accepted. People like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr were inspired to protest during the Civil Rights Movement in order to make everyone in society equal. They wanted to break the barrier for people of color in society like Robinson did in baseball.

Robinson’s baseball career encouraged many people to fight for civil rights and they were able to gain new opportunities. His accomplishments in baseball allowed other colored people to play in the major leagues. His charisma and his willingness to fight for the rights of colored men inspired other people to continue to strive for equality in order to make society a place in which white men and black men came together as one.  

The Half-Century wait

MLB All-Star Game 2013 / MikeBritt00 - Flickr

The Half Century Wait It has been 49 years since the New York Mets have hosted the MLB All-Star Game. On July 16th the best players from both the National and American Leagues will face off in an action packed game. Seats are being sold, hotels are being booked, and this 2013 All-Star Game is definitely going to be a big financial boost to the city.

With people coming from all over the world just to see the 2013 All-Star Game, it is bound to generate a lot of money for the city. The last All-Star Game held in New York in 2008 generated 148.4 million dollars, the most money ever made from an All-Star. Seats closest to the All-Star action are priced at $5000. This year’s All-Star Game has been promoted so much that it may even surpass the money made from the 2008

All-Star Game the game that generated the most gross profit The Mets have waited nearly half a century to host another All-Star Game, and the players themselves are just as excited to show off Citi Field. “It's just a great park to come to every night, and I think what's going to be even better about it with the All-Star Game, is it's going to be packed,” said Mets left fielder Mike Baxter said in a MLB.com article. Knowing this, there is no question that New York is going to try and milk the cow.

With the amount of people coming in, hotels, restaurants, and even attractions are sure to benefit from this game as well. While these three may be big contributors, revenue will also come in from smaller MLB events during the All-Star week. The Home Run Derby, Celebrity Softball, and Taco Bell All Star Sunday are some of the events that will be featured along with the All-Star Game.

 With the All-Star game just around the corner, New York City is expecting a big economic boost. Its been 49 years since the the Mets hosted the All-Star game and this year they are doing it on an improved Citi Field. There is no question that this year’s All-Star game will be one to remember. “It’s what’s good for the game” said Mets Chairman Fred Wilpon in a MLB.com article.

The legendary sandman enters his final season

Will Mariano Rivera’s retirement lead to the downfall of the New York Yankees’ legacy? The Yankees ace closer has been with the team for 19 seasons and contributed to five World Series wins. Throughout the years he has shown consistency and reliability as a closer and he has been essential in the ninth inning.

Mariano Rivera - Wikimedia Commons

Rivera said that he would have retired at the conclusion of last season if he did not tear his ACL on May 3, 2012. He was on the shelf most of that season; however, he did not want to retire due to an injury. "I didn't want to leave like that," Rivera said in a press conference before the 2013 season. "I felt like I wanted to give everything."

The New York Yankees need Rivera to elevate his abilities with some of their best players including Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez out due to injury. Rivera returned to baseball on April 4, 2013, leaving him a significant amount of time to recover and come back even stronger than last season. Rivera is the most tenured player on the team and his experience will play a major role for winning another World Series.

Although many did not expect the sandman to return after his ACL injury, Rivera has been very consistent this season. He started the season by saving Andy Pettitte’s eight inning performance against the Boston Red Sox in their third game of the season.

The Yankees are looking forward to a better opening to their season as far as they are concerned with their pitching. With some of their best and more reliable batters out pitching is where the Yankees really have to be aggressive. Rivera’s composure and consistency are exactly the attributes that the Yankees need during the pressure situations.

Contributed by Kian Zadeh and Din Islam

Will the new Angels trio live up to their expectations?

Los Angeles Angels fans are excited for this season with the addition of former Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton. Now the Angels have a trio that consists of All-Star Albert Pujols, AL Rookie of the Year Mike Trout, and Hamilton. Not only are Angels fans anticipating this season, but even the athletes are looking forward to playing together. "I texted him [Josh Hamilton] and congratulated him [on the contract] and he texted back saying, 'Get your legs loose, that's all I ask,''' said Trout.

Mike Trout - Wikimedia Commons

Outfielder Mike Trout has been essential to the Angels since starting with the team in April last year. Trout came out of the minor leagues, but once he started competing in the Major Leagues, he showed what he is capable of and had the statistics to prove it. After only a season he is considered one of the best players in baseball, leading the AL last season with 129 runs and 49 steals. With Hamilton in the Angels lineup, Trout has much more support since Albert Pujols has been mediocre at best these past few seasons.

Albert Pujols - Wikimedia Commons

In the past three seasons, Albert Pujols’ both slugging and on-base percentages decreased. Along with the stats decreasing, his recovery from a knee surgery last October and plantar fasciitis on his left foot will give him trouble on the field. Although Pujols might not be as good as he was a few years ago, Hamilton can easily pick up the slack.

Josh Hamilton - Wikimedia Commons

Mike Trout’s young age leaves room for improvement in his future in the MLB, and Pujols’ 12 years of experience makes him a great leader for the team in the upcoming years. Along with Trout and Pujols, Hamilton’s addition to the lineup makes another threat to opponents when he steps up to the plate. His great performance with the Rangers shows that his addition to the already stellar batting staff will be a big benefit in this season.

Contributed by Sadeon Martin

The Astros move to the American League

At the start of the 2013 season the Houston Astros made their move from the National League Central division to the American League West. The move was a part of an agreement made two years ago when Jim Crane became the new owner of the club.  

Houston Astros logo version for team's caps / Commons

The move was a part of Commissioner Bud Selig’s desire to even out the teams in both leagues. The club was sold to Crane, who many have speculated, that it was set up by Selig. In the event that Crane wanted to buy the team, he would have to agree to move the club to the AL.

There was talk about changing a team from the National League to the American League in 2011, and the Astros were a strong candidate two years before the switch. Their move to the American League was to create a rivalry between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. The shift is a significant change in baseball, "It's a historical day, from opening day on," said Selig to USA Today.

The club moved from one of the arguably weaker divisions to one of the best, which left a question on many fans minds. How will they fare in the AL west? “Easy answer,” said Ken Rosenthal of Fox sports “They won’t.” Rosenthal criticized the club for its lack of direction, stating that the club “[is] caught between trying to rebuild and trying to remain competitive.”

There is doubt of their capabilities in the new position; the Astros will have to prove themselves in their new league and division. But their future in the same position doesn’t look promising as they stand as of April 17, 2013 with a record of four wins and ten loses.

Contributed by: Shawn Watts

Injuries hold the Yankees back from victory

Derek Jeter / By Keith Allison - Flickr.com

The New York Yankees are off to a rocky start this season due to their loss of three superstar players. Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, and Curtis Granderson all were injured prior to the start of the 2013 season, leaving only three players from the 2012 starting lineup present on opening day.

Yankees captain Derek Jeter has been at every opening day for the past 16 seasons; however, he was not able to play in the season opener due to a broken ankle he suffered in the American League Championship Series last October. He played during spring training even though he was in pain, which is what he believes led to breaking his ankle once again. "It was something that I hurt it, I continued to play on it, probably when I shouldn't have," he said to BleacherReport.com. "But I continued to play on it and then eventually it broke."

First baseman Mark Teixeira is also not able to play for the first few months of the 2013 season due to a wrist injury. Teixeira is still staying healthy by working with the team's strength and conditioning coach for two-and-a-half hours each day attempting to stabilize his wrist muscles. It is not known when he will return because the recovery time for a wrist injury is unpredictable."You never know when you're coming back from a wrist. You can have a setback. Everything's always a timetable. Timetables change. Sometimes it's shorter, too," Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi said to Newsday.com.

The Yankees’ center fielder and leading home run hitter Curtis Granderson was also injured during spring training when he took a fastball to his right forearm. He is expected to return to play in mid-May; however, the Yankees want to make sure that he is fully recovered before including him in the lineup. “It’s just something that I’ve thought about. I don’t know how many games he would have in his rehab coming back, and that’s a concern for me. So I want him to be comfortable wherever he’s at, because his bat’s real important to us,” said Girardi to MLB.com.

All three of these players made a tremendous contribution to the 2012 season. Both Jeter and Granderson helped their teams offense, while Teixeira impacted the defense. Jeter had an incredible year, finishing with 216 hits, the most in baseball. Granderson also had a great season; he hit 43 home runs, drove in 106 runs, and was chosen to play in the All-Star game. Teixeira was able to contribute to the defense with his elite fielding; he won the Gold Glove Award for his superior individual fielding performance.

They have acquired new players that will need to help the team both defensively and offensively until their three starters return. Lyle Overbay was acquired by the Yankees from the Boston Red Sox during spring training and has been playing first base due to Teixeira’s absence. Eduardo Núñez and Jayson Nix have replaced Derek Jeter and Vernon Wells is a substitute for Granderson. “You’re talking about high-character guys,” Girardi said of the newcomers in a New York Times article. “Guys that have been calming forces in a clubhouse for many years, guys who have played at a high level, guys who have been in the A.L. East, guys that have been in the championship series.”

The Yankees will need to continue working together as a team without these three starters and make plays that will help them win more games. As of now, the Yankees have lost a few games because they do not have the power that Granderson, Teixeira and Jeter normally provide. “The same goals are going to be there: to win every night,” said Youkilis in a New York Times article.

Contributed by Sahar Saedi and Anya Batista