On April 15 in 1947, Jackie made his big-league debut against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field for the Dodgers in Brooklyn. It changed baseball. It
changed the United States. To commemorate this historic event, Major League Baseball has named April 15 as Jackie Robinson Day to honor number 42, who changed baseball forever when he broke the color barrier.
Robinson was a contemporary and enjoyed a deep friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King. Both men shared a strong commitment to change and to making the world better for all people. Both men mattered and should be remembered and studied as leaders.
As the first African American to play baseball in the Major Leagues, Robinson faced tremendous pressure in life and in baseball. It was as much his leadership in life as it was his leadership on the baseball field that made him such a great role model for all people. Jackie Robinson believed and lived nine values. These guided his life, on and off the diamond.
- Courage
- Determination
- Teamwork
- Persistence
- Integrity
- Citizenship
- Justice
- Commitment
- Excellence
"A life is not important, except in the impact it has on others' lives."
-- Jackie Robinson
To know more, check out the Jackie Robinson Foundation and consider these two books about Jackie Robinson and his life:
"How to be Like Jackie Robinson: Life Lessons from Baseball's Greatest Hero"
» Leadership from the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown from LeaderNotes
I spent several hours exploring the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on Monday. I enjoyed it immensely as did my three boys.I found inspiration in many places and saw several examples of leadership. Here are some of the things... [Read More]
Tracked on: April 19, 2006 10:35 PM | Permalink to Trackback