"An extraordinary book . . . invitingly written and brisk." --Chicago
Tribune
"Perhaps no one has ever told the tale [of Robinson's arrival in the
major leagues] so well as [Simon] does in this extended essay."
--The Washington Post Book World
"Scott Simon tells a compelling story of risk and sacrifice, profound
ugliness and profound grace, defiance and almost unimaginable courage.
This is a meticulously researched, insightful, beautifully written book,
one that should be read, reread, and remembered." --Laura Hillenbrand,
author of the New York Times bestseller Seabiscuit
The integration of baseball in 1947 had undeniable significance for the
civil rights movement and American history. Thanks to Jackie Robinson, a
barrier that had once been believed to be permanent was
shattered--paving the way for scores of African Americans who wanted
nothing more than to be granted the same rights as any other human
being.
In this book, renowned broadcaster Scott Simon reveals how Robinson's
heroism brought the country face-to-face with the question of racial
equality. From his days in the army to his ascent to the major leagues,
Robinson battled bigotry at every turn. Simon deftly traces the journey
of the rookie who became Rookie of the Year, recalling the taunts and
threats, the stolen bases and the slides to home plate, the trials and
triumphs. Robinson's number, 42, has been retired by every club in major
league baseball--in homage to the man who had to hang his first Brooklyn
Dodgers uniform on a hook rather than in a locker.
