The Freemans Journal - Cooperstowns Newspaper Since 1808: Sports

The Freeman's Journal - Cooperstown's Newspaper Snce 1808

Friday, June 20, 2008

New Jackie Robinson Plaque Reflects His Role In Breaching The Color Line

COOPERSTOWN

A new Jackie Robinson plaque was unveiled at The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum Wednesday, June 25, for the first time reflecting his role in breaking down baseball’s color line when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948.
Robinson’s widow Rachel and their daughter Sharon were at 25 Main St. for the unveiling.
HoF chairman Jane Forbes Clark said Robinson, when he was inducted in 1962, wanted the plaque to reflect his outstanding statistics alone, just like everyone else’s.
“He told baseball writers that when considering his candidacy, they should only consider his playing ability – what his impact was on the playing field. At his induction in 1962, his plaque reflected his wishes – it only recounted his magnificent playing career,” said Miss Clark.
“But as we all know, there’s no person more central and more important to the history of baseball, for his pioneering ways, than Jackie Robinson. Today, his impact is not fully defined without mention of his extreme courage in crossing baseball’s color line. We are proud of the changes we have made.”
The new plaque reads:
JACK ROOSEVELT ROBINSON
“JACKIE”
BROOKLYN, N.L., 1947-1956
“A player of extraordinary ability renowned for his electrifying style of play. Over 10 seasons hit .311, scored more than 100 runs six times, named to six All-Star teams and led Brooklyn to six pennants and its only World Series title, in 1955. The 1947 Rookie of the Year, and the 1949 N.L. MVP when he hit a league-best .342 with 37 steals. Led second basemen in double plays four times and stole home 19 times. Displayed tremendous courage and poise in 1947 when he integrated the modern major leagues in the face of intense adversity.”
The new plaque is on the same spot in the Hall of Plaques. The old plaque will be kept by the Hall of Fame.

Brian C. Horey/The Freeman’s Journal

Cooperstown’s American Legion Post 579 catcher Val Paige tags the Chain Gang’s Brendan Johns out at home during Monday evening action in the first game of a double header in Co-Ed Slow Pitch League at the Clark Complex. Paige fielded a nice throw from third baseman Bianca Bello on the play. Johns had tripled and attempted to score on an infield hit. The Legionnaires won the game 15-6.

Labels: 06-27-08, 062708, Sports