Rickey Praises Jackie Robinson
Article taken from The Elyria Chronicle Telegram, April 18, 1964
Crusading Rickey
praises Robinson
SAN JOSE, Calif. (UPI) - Branch Rickey, who smashed baseball's color
line when he signed Jackie Rovinson to a Brooklyn Dodgers contract, believes
the Negro still is undergoing "cruel and brutal treatment in American societ."
During a visit to San Jose State College Friday, the veteran baseball magnate
said "I think the Negro race has been marvellously patient. I'd like to
see those opposing integration put on a black skin for 24 hours and find out
what happens
to them."
He also prasied the contributions Robinson made to both baseball and race relations.
"The Negro race never will be able to discharge the obligations it owes Robinson
for the burdens he carried," Rickey said.
"Jackie was a cocky type of persons with chips on both sholders and resentful
of insults as any man should be," Rickey said. "He and I agreed that
he would be tolerant of such insults for the two of three year periodthat would
be needed
for the situation to adjust."
Last Updated: November 12, 2004