Young people today may know the names of
baseball’s legendary heroes such as Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Lou
Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and Jackie Robinson. They may or may not know the
stories behind these legends; Peter Golenbock’s Teammates introduces
them to an important one. African American and Latino baseball players had been
performing for enthusiastic audiences in the United States since the latter
half of the nineteenth century as the sport grew in popularity. But: they could
not play in the major leagues due to segregation, and in the 1940s there were still
just two Negro Leagues in which they could participate. Then forward-looking
general manager Branch Rickey began scouting for good players regardless of
their skin color; he “wanted to treat the Dodger fans to the best players he
could find.” Knowing that the history of discrimination would make his entry
into the major leagues hard, Jackie Robinson signed on with the Brooklyn
Dodgers in 1947 ready to do his best. Robinson faced viciousness, nasty names
and even worse threats on the field and off. He was snubbed by players on his
team, and even had to live by himself on the road where hotels accommodated
only white players. Then, during a difficult game against the Cincinnati Reds,
the crowd screamed awful things at Jackie, and teammate Pee Wee Reese said to
himself, “Enough.” He strode from shortstop to first base and, smiling
reassuringly at Jackie, placed his arm around his shoulders. They conversed,
Jackie smiled back, and the crowd grew silent as Reese returned to his position
at shortstop. This was a momentous sign to the world of baseball and beyond
that there was no place for racism here. This moving picture book is
illustrated with wonderful watercolors by Paul Bacon and by photos and news
clippings of the times. Ages 5-10.
Who Was Jackie Robinson? by Gail Herman is a chapter book biography providing an in-depth look at
Jackie’s skill as an athlete and his strength as a person, ideal for readers
ages 8-12.
