*Today, let’s honor the achievements of famous Black baseball players and the valuable contributions these home run heroes made on and off the field. Until Jackie Robinson broke the color line in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1947, African American baseball players were limited primarily to the Negro Leagues. These leagues were a farm full of fresh Black talent, including the likes of Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard, to name a few.
These pioneers of one of America’s favorite sports dealt with unimaginable pressure. From being ridiculed by their teammates to withstanding abuse and resentment from the crowd, they had their fair share of challenges. Yet they persevered, changing the face of the game and opening the gates of opportunities for other aspirants.
Jackie Robinson
Number 42 at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers was how Jackie Robinson entered MLB. As the first African-American player on the team, the young man achieved many feats throughout his brilliant career. As he advanced, he won many awards, including Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, and more. He also participated in six World Series, notably the 1955 Championship, where he played a pivotal role in bringing the trophy home. Robinson played for four teams and stole 197 bases home throughout his career.
Upon his retirement in 1997, MLB retired his uniform number 42 across all major league teams. This was the first such treatment in the sport offered to anyone. The league also adopted a new yearly tradition, “Jackie Robinson Day,” on which all players of all teams wear No. 42 to honor him. Robinson also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously.
His will and determination to elevate the Black community to new heights, combined with his talent, challenged the traditional segregation basis that markets other sports. He joined and contributed to the civil rights movement in more than many ways.
In 1964, Robinson founded the Freedom National Bank in Harlem to help people find money and investments. Six years later, he established the Jackie Robinson Construction Company. The player wished to build housing for low-income families through his company and was successful in doing so, credited to his influence and consistent efforts.
Robinson also got involved with the Martin Luther King Movement, where he started a syndicate newspaper column, talking on matters like politics, relations, and family life. It’s safe to say that the contributions of Robinson go far beyond the baseball diamond. As the legendary player himself stated, “A life is not important unless it has an impact on other lives.”
Josh Gibson
Considered one of the greatest baseball players ever, Josh Gibson was a prolific hitter whose size and strength made him a threat both at the plate and behind it. At just 18 years old, he had garnered attention from the media, particularly for his iconic 580-foot home run into the left-field bullpen. For years, fans claimed it was the longest drive ever hit in that ballpark.
Gibson played in the Negro National League for fifteen seasons, where he had 521 RBI’s and scored 594 runs. In addition to playing Negro leagues, Gibson barnstormed against major league competitions, where he played with the same zeal.
“People look for his weakness, and while they’re looking for it, he’s on his way to hitting 45 home runs,” Paige once infamously said. Renowned coach and player Buck O’Neil called Gibson “the best hitter of his time.”
Unfortunately, the slugger never got a chance to play in MLB and died of a stroke in 1947, just a few months before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier. Gibson’s outstanding tributes were finally recognized officially when he was inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. He remains an inspiration to us all today as a man who pursued his passion during a time when segregation laws limited opportunities in baseball, dedicating himself wholly to what brought him joy.
Hank Aaron
A baseball hero and the recipient of the Medal of Freedom, Hank Aaron was a force to be reckoned with. Aaron began his professional baseball career in 1952 in the Negro League. He shifted to the major league with the Milwaukee Braves, eight years after the color barrier was broken. His unparalleled skills and talent quickly established him among the top Braves’ players and got him the National League batting title in 1956.
Season after season, Aaron turned in strong batting performances, slugging out at least 40 homers that got him the title “Hammerin’ Hank.” However, what got him the well-deserved praise and attention was when he broke Babe Ruth’s record of 714 career home runs in front of a crowd of 50,000 people at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and received a standing ovation.
Sadly, the months leading up to the new record were far beyond celebratory. The Whites were unhappy seeing Babe’s record being broken by a Black man, resulting in the player receiving death threats and a pile of racist hate mail. But that did not stop Aaron.
Over the years, he became a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, becoming a well-known figure in the community. Aaron often told his own life story as an example of the hardships caused by racial injustice and inequality.
Together with his wife Billye, he established the Chasing the Dream Foundation in hopes of inspiring young people to pursue their passions and develop their skills. The organization awarded hundreds of scholarships to underprivileged youth across the US and assisted necessary to fulfill their dreams.
A true champion in all aspects, his record of 755 home runs stood for more than three decades. In 1982, Aaron was featured in the Baseball Hall of Fame and went on to win three Gold Glove awards. Upon his retirement, the Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves retired his jersey number 40 to honor his marvelous achievements.
“Life has no shortcuts. You have to work hard and take it one step at a time. And you must give back.” Aaron’s career can be seen as a symbolic bright light from the darker segregation days to an era of golden opportunities. His dignity, grace, and pursuit of excellence remain an inspiration for all Americans.
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