| On April 15,
1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers opened their season against
the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Starting at
first base was a 28-year old African American by the name
of Jack Roosevelt Robinson. With the game's first
pitch, Jackie Robinson became the first black man to play
in the modern major leagues, breaking the color barrier
that had surrounded baseball for over a half century and
symbolizing the racial integration of American society. Robinson's character, courage and talent have secured his place in history. Less known are Larry Doby, Henry Thompson, Willard Brown and Dan Bankhead, the four other African American men who played in the major leagues in 1947. Like Jackie Robinson, these men used their talent and determination to overcome decades of racial discrimination in the sport that has stood as "America's pastime." The Amateur Athletic Foundation honors the five men who first crossed the color barrier of major league baseball. Click on the baseball cards below for even more information on the players, and be sure to check out the other Jackie Robinson sites. |
JACKIE ROBINSONLARRY DOBYHENRY THOMPSONWILLARD BROWNDAN BANKHEAD |
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