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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Robinson Anniversary Today

Compiled From Wire Services

Fifty years ago today, a minor league team departed the McAlpin Hotel in Manhattan, boarded a train for Jersey City and rode into history. Among the passengers was Jackie Robinson, who had been signed to a contract six months earlier by Brooklyn Dodgers President Branch Rickey.

On April 18, 1946, in a game between the Montreal Royals and the Jersey City Giants, Robinson became the first African-American to participate in organized baseball in the 20th century.

He reportedly received polite applause in his first at-bat and then grounded out against left-hander Warren Sandell. Two innings later, Robinson hit Sandell’s first pitch over the left-field wall for a three-run homer. He singled in his final three at-bats, stole two bases, drove in four runs and scored three more times, twice by inducing balks while on third base.

Not until the following year was Robinson’s quest recognized as a story of national significance. Despite taunts, threats and attempts at physical intimidation, Robinson earned National League rookie of the year honors with the Dodgers in 1947 and permanently erased the color line that had prevented members of his race from competing in the major leagues.

Robinson retired after the 1956 season. A severe diabetic, he died of a heart attack in 1972.