In 1947, Jackie Robinson shook the baseball establishment and changed America forever when he broke the color barrier, becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues. Now, on the centennial of Robinson’s birth, celebrate the trailblazer and sports legend in this anthology containing rarely seen New York Times articles, photographs and retrospectives. Available with optional personalization on the inside.
This coffee-table book practically puts you in a box seat along third base at Ebbets Field. Spanning 80 years, it delves deep into the Times archives to unearth as-it-happened articles from the 1940s and 1950s about the unconquerable pioneer who paved the way for black athletes in all sports.
The 12” x 15” book begins with Jackie Robinson’s track and field stardom at U.C.L.A. in 1939 and follows his signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945 (“Robinson Joins Dodger Farm From Kansas City Monarchs to Establish a Precedent”). It includes numerous game-day stories from 1947-1956 as Robinson electrified the baseball world with his clutch hitting, base-running bravado and hook-slides home in a cloud of dust (“Robinson Steals Home; His Feat Excites 63,869”). It also details how Robinson endured the strife, bean balls, solitude, hate and threats that followed him as the first black baseball player.
“A History of Jackie Robinson: The Legend Who Broke Baseball’s Color Barrier” is packed with pages on his awards, movies, books, Hall of Fame induction, obituary, funeral and lasting legacy. It brings to life the rich history of black baseball before Robinson broke onto the scene. It also contains retrospectives, including the 24-page Times section, “42 at 100,” featuring more than 60 photos.
Full pages are reproduced to show headlines, photos, secondary articles and advertisements. A historical gift for history buffs and baseball fans, the book has a stately dark blue leatherette cover with a handsome dust jacket. Comes with a 2.5" x 7.5" magnifier and a certificate of authenticity.
Produced in Vermont.
