Jackie Robinson changed sports forever in 1947, becoming the first baseball player to break the color barrier. Today, Jackie is remembered for opening Major League Baseball to anyone, regardless of skin color. But before Jackie could change history, he had to do what all ball players do-start in the minors.
Jackie Robinson began his baseball career in the Negro Leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs in early 1945. He played 47 games at shortstop and had difficulty adapting to the schedule imposed by the Negro Leagues. Jackie was hoping for a more uniformed schedule and sought joining Major League Baseball (MLB). Up to that point, professional baseballl, specifically the MLB, did not permit African American ballplayers from joining their teams.
Begining in the early 1940s, GM Branch Rickey of the then Brookyln Dodgers sought to add Negro League players to his rooster. Unfortunatley, America wasn’t ready for that change yet, and Rickey needed a player that could withstand the racial abuse and threats he was sure to receive. After interviewing Robinson several times, Rickey believed that he had found his next star.
The following year, Robinson joined the Montreal Royals, the AAA team of the Dodgers, at spring training. The Dodgers themselves did not own a spring training facility at the time, and often bounced around the state. Robinson and the Royals faced problems wherever they went. In Jacksonville, Brooklyn’s stadium was padlocked shut for an unknown reason. In DeLand, a day game was postponed due to “outdoor lighting” issues. Sanford’s police chief threatened to stop any games if Robinson was involved.
After much lobbying by Rickey and the Dodgers organization, Daytona Beach permitted the Royals to practice and play there. Robinson finally made his minor league debut at City Island Ballpark against the Brooklyn Dodgers on March 17th, 1946. Robinson didn’t fare well in the game, and was eventually shifted to second base, where he excelled. The Montreal fanbase supported Robinson very well, and he lead the International League with a .349 batting average.
Robinson was called up to the majors just six days before the start of the 1947 season. Robinson excelled, and the Dodgers made it to the World Series. Additional black players joined the MLB in 1948, following in Jackie’s footsteps. Amidst racism from fans and even his teammates, Robinson had a remarkable baseball career. Jackie was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year eligible.
Today, City Island Ballpark has been renamed as Jackie Robinson Ballpark. It is the oldest ballpark used in the minor league system, opening in 1914. The Daytona Tortugas of the Florida State League (A) call the ballpark home. The ballpark now has a statue of the man who changed baseball forever in front of the home plate gate. The ballpark has seen minimal changes since opening, allowing fans the opportunity to experience an American game experience unlike any other.
