15 Apr 1947

Jackie Robinson plays in first game as a major leaguer with Brooklyn Dodgers

In his first season, with Eddie Stanky entrenched at second base for the Dodgers, Robinson was forced to play first base. On April 15, 1947 Robinson made his debut before a crowd of 26,623 spectators at Ebbets Field, including more than 14,000 black patrons. Although he failed to get a base hit, the Dodgers won 5–3. Robinson became the first player since 1887 to break the baseball color line.

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bob armour

Source: Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Robinson

I do not care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a f-----' zebra. I'm the manager of this team, and I say he plays. What's more, I say he can make us all rich. And if any of you cannot use the money, I will see that you are all traded.

— Leo Durocher, Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers

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bob armour

Source: Out of the Shadows : African American Baseball from the Cuban Giants to Jackie Robinson (2005) by Bill Kirwin

I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.

— Jackie Robinson to Brooklyn Dodger Teammates, 1947

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bob armour

Source: The Impact and Legacy Years, 1941, 1947, 1968 (2000) by Fred Pulis, p. 100