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Honoring Jackie Robinson

By Nelida Gonzalez Cutler

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in New York City. He did not get a hit. But he changed baseball--and this country--forever. Robinson broke the sport's color barrier. He became the first African American to play in modern Major League Baseball.

Last Wednesday, Robinson was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can give to a civilian. "Jackie Robinson was an American hero who stood for equality, decency and morality," said Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi of California.

In 1947, the United States was a land divided by race. Laws in several states kept blacks and whites separate. Many Americans were not ready to accept integration. After being signed by the Dodgers, Robinson received hate mail and death threats. Fans threw garbage at him. Opposing pitchers aimed at his head.

Through it all, Robinson maintained his dignity and became a star. He batted .297 his first year with the team and was named Rookie of the Year. For 10 years, he played great ball. In 1962, he became the first African American player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

After Robinson retired, he took a job as a vice president of Chock Full o' Nuts, a coffee company. He continued to battle for civil rights. Last week, President George Bush said that Robinson showed "what one person can do to hold America to account to its founding promise of freedom and equality."

Robinson died in 1972 at the age of 53. His wife, Rachel, accepted the award for him last week. "This medal confirms what we know," she said. "Jackie Robinson stands as a heroic role model for all Americans who believe in justice and equality."

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