Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, NY, April 15, 1947 – Today we honor not only a baseball icon but an civil rights one as well. The determination and character that Jackie Robinson exhibited in the face of resistance and racism while trying to reverse baseball’s darkest history was inspiring. This photo above was taken after Jackie just played in his first baseball game as a Brooklyn Dodger and breaking the color barrier that sadly existed.
The Dodgers beat the Boston Braves 5-3 that Tuesday afternoon in front of 26,623 at Ebbets Field, and while Jackie went hitless he did score the winning run after reaching base on a error. He also started his first game playing first base, something that might surprise many since he spent most of his career playing either second or third base.