Jackie Robinson: Breaking the Racial Barrier

Geneva Gaukel Senior Division Individual Website

Process Paper I chose my topic by choosing and researching many turning points in history. Out of those that I researched, I chose the one that interested me the most and I felt that I could research and convey the best in my project. I grew up watching baseball, so this topic seemed to stand out. Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier relates to baseball, and so it is something I can research and create a thorough project about. I conducted my research by using well-known and respected websites. The websites contained reliable information as well as pictures that will effectively support my website. It is relatively easy to find letters and telegrams from Jackie Robinson to political figures, but finding secondary sources that are not just biographies or summaries of his achievements is difficult, as well as finding primary sources that are more directly related with my topic. I selected my presentation category by choosing the category I feel I would create the best project in. I did not feel like my project would be as strong if it were in a different category, and I feel like I can express my topic well with a website. Since a website uses pictures, videos, audio, and words, it provides many ways to support the theme. A visual presentation would be better for this topic than a paper or performance, because the information would not be conveyed in the same way, as photographs are an essential part of explaining my topic. My project relates to the NHD theme because Jackie Robinson entering the MLB promoted the integration of baseball. Segregation was a major issue in 1947, and the desegregation of the sport solidified the start of change throughout the entire society. This spurred many civil rights cases, which eventually led to complete desegregation. Jackie Robinson entering this baseball league spurred desegregation in baseball and culture itself.

Annotated Bibliography Primary Sources 1945 Kansas City Monarchs. 1945. I-70 Baseball. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http:// www.i70baseball.com/2012/12/08/jackie-robinson-the-kansas-city-monarchs-part-ii/> This photo of the 1945 Kansas City Monarchs team shows that the MLB and Negro Leagues were completely segregated. 1945 was the year Jackie was with the Kansas City Monarchs. 1955 World Series: Game 1. MLB. 28 Sep. 1955. MP3. This is an excerpt of Game 1 of the 1955 World Series. It is Jackie Robinson stealing home base to earn the Dodgers a point, with Yogi Berra opposing the umpires call. All-Star Break. 1950. Ninety Feet of Perfection. Web. 6 Mar. 2013. <http:// 90feetofperfection.com/page/12/> This photograph features Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, Don Newcombe, Luke Easter, and Roy Campanella. This photo shows that other African American baseball players followed Jackie, as all were MLB players. Atlanta Crackers vs. Brooklyn Dodgers. 1949. Society for American Baseball Research. Web. 10 Feb. 2013. <http://sabr.org/research/memories-minor-league-traveler> This is a photograph of the 1949 Atlanta Crackers vs. Brooklyn Dodgers exhibition game. Jackie was widely accepted there, a major surprise because of its location in the south. Baseball retires Robinsons No. 42. Portsmouth Daily Times 17 Apr. 1997: 1. Web. 9 Feb. 2013.

This article is about Jackies retired number, 42. 42 is the only number retired by every MLB team, honoring Jackie. It is a primary source because the article was published the same time as Jackies number was retired. Brooklyn Dodgers and New Coach. n.d. Biography. Web. 15 Dec. 2012. <http://
www.biography.com/
people/
jackie-robinson-9460813/photos> This is a photograph of Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. It shows how, at least in front of cameras, Jackie became accepted by many of his teammates. Brooklyn Dodgers, 1947. 1947. Peanuts & Crackerjacks. Web. 18 Dec. 2012. <http://
www.bos.frb.org/peanuts/sptspage/teams.htm> This is a photo of the entire 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers team. Jackie was the only African American on that team. Campanella, Roy. Letter to Branch Rickey. 22 Oct. 1946. Web. 4 Jan. 2013. This letter gives perspective about Branch Rickeys choice to make Jackie Robinson break the color line, because in this letter Roy Campanella suggests Branch Rickey use Monty Irvin or Larry Doby. Cards Threaten Revolt Against Jackie Robinson. Prescott Evening Courier 9 May 1947: 6. Web. 10 Jan. 2013. This newspaper article is about one incident where the members of the St. Louis Cardinals threaten to strike if Jackie Robinson plays in the game. Ford Frick states that they actually did not do this, but in Jackie Robinsons autobiography, he records them doing so.

Carter, Art. Baseball Owners Protest Jackie Robinson Signing. The Afro American 17 Nov. 1945: 23. Web. 12 Jan. 2013. This newspaper article shows that not all people were satisfied that Jackie Robinson was being signed to the Montreal Royals. A protest was sent to Commissioner Albert Chandler, requesting proper consideration be given. Chock Full O Nuts. n.d. UMASS. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <http://www.umass.edu/pubaffs/
jackie/
citizen1.html> This photograph shows Jackie Robinson and an employee at Chock Full O Nuts. While working there, he managed to hire many blacks in jobs never considered before, therefore furthering integration. Colored Waiting Room. n.d. The Rabbit Hole. Web. 20 Nov. 2012. <http://
christophertucker.wordpress.com/2011/07/26/explorations-in-racial-denitions/> This is a photograph of a colored waiting room sign. This sign was typical of the 1940s and 1950s, and is an example of the discrimination Jackie faced. Dodger Preparations for the World Series. 1956. Blue Heaven. Web. 8 Jan. 2013. <http://
www.dodgersblueheaven.com/2011/11/ebay-dodgers-preparing-for-world-series.html> This is a photograph of the 1956 Brooklyn Dodgers preparing for the world series. By then, the MLB was integrated, and Jackie was not the only African American on the team. Ebbets Field. n.d. Jewish Currents. Web. 3 Oct. 2012. <http://jewishcurrents.org/september-24the-last-game-at-ebbets-field-2779> This photograph is of Ebbets Field, where the Brooklyn Dodgers play home games. This field was played in until 1957, one year after Jackie retired from the MLB.

General Court Martial Orders Number 130, Headquarters XXII Corps. 23 Aug. 1944. Web. 8 Jan. 2013. This is the report of when Jackie Robinson refused to move to the back of the bus and was court-martialed for it. Harris, Charles. Baseball executive Branch Rickey and baseball player Jackie Robinson seated on sofa in hotel. 1957. Carnegie Museum of Art. Web. 6 Mar. 2013. <http://
www.cmoa.org/searchcollections/details.aspx?item=12849> This is a photograph of Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson. It shows that Branch Rickey was invested in segregating baseball, as he and Jackie became close friends. Harris, Charles. Brooklyn Dodgers baseball player Jackie Robinson being interviewed by sportswriter Ray Scott, in interior with advertisement for Raytheon TV and sports photographs on back wall. 1954. Carnegie Museum of Art. Web. 6 Mar. 2013. <http:// www.cmoa.org/searchcollections/details.aspx?item=12833> This photograph of Jackie Robinson in an interview with Ray Scott shows that Jackie became a major part of pop culture in his years in baseball. Hate Mail to Jackie Robinson. n.d. Berry College. Web. 15 Jan. 2013. <http://
www.cubanxgiants.com/jrobinson/> This is a photo of the death threats sent to Jackie Robinson. It shows that while there was acceptance, the discrimination Jackie faced showed that integration was not yet complete. Indians Sign Doby, Of Newark Eagles Negro Team; First In A.L. Painesville Telegraph 3 Jul. 1947: 11. Web. 24 Jan. 2013.

This newspaper article is about Larry Doby becoming the second black baseball player to play in the Major Leagues. He was brought up only 3 months after Jackie Robinson became the first black baseball player in the Major Leagues, so integration in baseball had worked. Jackies Excited, Has Tie Trouble, Almost Loses Shirt to JC Crowd. The Montreal Gazette 19 Apr. 1946: 12. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. This newspaper article shows that Montreal was very less segregated than New York, because no journalists were attacking him and not much booing occurred. The article proves this and provides statistics about the game. Jackie Robinson bolts Republicans. The Windsor Star 10 Aug. 1968: 56. Web. 9 Feb. 2013. This article shows that by the end of Richard Nixons presidential campaign, he would rather back any Democrat than him. This also shows that Jackie was a major influence in politics because his role was even appearing in newspapers. Jackie Robinson Comic Book. n.d. Primary Source Nexus. Web. 18 Dec. 2012. <http://
primarysourcenexus.org/2012/10/today-in-history-jackie-robinson/> This is a Jackie Robinson comic book with an article inside about the Dodgers training camp. It is an example of the acceptance by society because they included him as a part of media that many people accessed. Jackie Robinson Drafted. n.d. Biography. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. <http://www.biography.com/ people/groups/celebrity-enlistees/photos> This photograph of Jackie Robinson is from when he served in the military. It goes along with his court-martial report about not moving to the back of the bus.

Jackie Robinson Gets Ovation From Fans in Atlanta. The Milwaukee Journal 9 Apr. 1949: 8. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. This newspaper article shows that Jackie breaking the color barrier made an impact on people. Atlanta, which was very segregated, did not have a largely booing crowd on Jackies first game, but most fans were cheering him on. Jackie Robinson, in Kansas City Monarchs Uniform. 1945. Americas Story. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jp/bball/jp_bball_jackie_1_e.html> This photograph is of Jackie Robinson while in his Kansas City Monarchs uniform. It shows that Jackie had played professional baseball before being signed in the MLB. Jackie Robinsons Life Threatened. St. Petersburg Times 21 May 1951: 12. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. This article corresponds with the photographs of two death threats sent to Jackie Robinson. Jackie did attend the game he was threatened at, with 80 policemen and FBI agents standing guard at Crosley Field, although the three travelers threats did not occur. Jackie Robinson Moves Up To The Dodgers. Ottawa Citizen 11 Apr. 1947: 21. Web. 18 Jan. 2013. This newspaper article provides the facts about Jackie Robinsons signing to the Dodgers, but not much information was provided to the public at that time. It moved Jackie up from the Montreal Royals to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson Nixon Campaigner. The Southeast Missourian 12 Oct. 1960: 6. Web. 20 Jan. 2013.

This article shows that Jackie Robinsons opinion of the presidency was in favor of Richard Nixon. Since not reported in this article, Jackie did not switch views until a later time. Jackie Robinson Pins. n.d. The Las Vegas Badger. Web. 8 Feb. 2013. <http://
lasvegasbadger.blogspot.com/2012/06/pawn-stars-reviw-june-18-2012.html> This is a photograph of 3 Jackie Robinson pins, made when Jackie played in the MLB. It supports the fact that Jackie had fans and became accepted in society. Jackie Robinson Rejects Nixon. The Free Lance-Star 12 Aug. 1968: 7. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. This newspaper article talks about Jackie Robinsons changed political views. He stated that he would support any Democrat against Nixon, whom he used to campaign for. He says that Nixon heads a ticket that is racist in nature. Jackie Robinson Testifying Before the HUAC. n.d. Biography. Web. 15 Dec. 2012. <http:// www.biography.com/people/jackie-robinson-9460813/photos> This photograph features Jackie Robinson testifying before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He was testifying for the loyalty of American Negroes. Johnson, Buddy. Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball? Jukebox Hits 1940-1951. n.p., n.d. MP3. 15 Dec. 2012. This song show that Jackie Robinson became an American hero and an icon of pop culture. Although there was much discrimination, he was still loved by many. King, Robinson, Patterson, and Abernathy. n.d. Yahoo! Sports. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. <http:// sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/baseball-impact-martin-luther-kingjr-155634569--mlb.html>

This is a photograph of many influential African Americans, including Jackie and MLK. It supports the fact that Jackie and MLK both spoke out about equal rights for people of all races. Lacy, Sam. Jackie Robinson Pays $100 Fine for Door He Didnt Kick. The Afro American 6 Oct. 1951: 19. Web. 13 Jan. 2013. This article in a newspaper supports that false accusations had been made against Jackie Robinson and the accusations were merely for news and to make him seem as though he was losing his temper, although Jackie did not kick the door in. Lacy, Sam. Montreal Star Answers Boos With Stellar Play. The Afro American 3 Aug. 1946: 16. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. This newspaper article proves that although Jackie was heckled and harassed by fans, he remained quiet and therefore changed the opinions of many fans and the audience. It says that Jackie was treated better after he stole home. Nixon, Richard M. Draft Letter to Jackie Robinson. 4 Nov. 1960. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. This letter from Richard Nixon helps my research because he talks about the issues of segregation and how he has heard about Jackie Robinsons visits and all he has done to help the problem. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie Robinson. n.d. Biography. Web. 15 Dec. 2012. <http://www.biography.com/people/jackie-robinson-9460813/photos> This is a photo of MLK and Jackie Robinson. Jackie has been said to have greatly influenced MLK, and made it possible for him to speak out for many things.

Robinson Campaigning for Nixon. n.d. Deadspin. Web. 15 Dec. 2012. <http://deadspin.com/ 5381012/jackie-robinson-a-republican-hero-say-republicans> This is a photo of Jackie Robinson campaigning for Richard Nixon. Nixons claims of the changes he would make in equality turned out to be false. Robinson, Jackie. Appeal of Communism to black America. House of un-American Activities Committee. 1949. Speech. This speech shows that Jackie Robinson was involved in politics and also understood how people who are different are excluded. Robinson, Jackie. I Never Had It Made. New York: Putnam, 1972. Print. Jackie Robinsons autobiography gives a lot of context to his life and hardships, along with many facts that I did not find in any other sources. Also, the information in this book is very reliable, with it being an autobiography, so it has been very helpful with my research. Robinson, Jackie. Letter to Branch Rickey. 13 July 1946. Web. 29 Dec. 2012. In this letter, Jackie Robinson assures Branch Rickey that when he left the Negro Leagues, he was not under a formal contract so the league would not be compensated. Robinson, Jackie. Letter to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 13 May 1958. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. This primary source is important to my research because Jackie Robinson asks President Eisenhower to further address the issue of segregation. Robinson, Jackie. Letter to President John F. Kennedy. 9 Feb. 1961. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

This primary source is important to my research because Jackie Robinson talks about how President Kennedy needed to make changes in society about civil rights and desegregating the country. Robinson, Jackie. Letter to President Lyndon B. Johnson. 18 Apr. 1967. Web. 20 Oct. 2012. This letter from Jackie Robinson helps my research because it is a record of Jackie Robinsons efforts to stop segregation. He thanks the president, but asks him to do more to help the struggle of discrimination. Robinson, Jackie. Letter to Roland L. Elliott. 20 Apr. 1972. Web. 5 Nov. 2012. In this source, Jackie Robinson addresses the problem of young blacks rejection. He says older blacks were willing to wait, but the younger generation needs to be accepted. Robinson, Jackie. Telegram to President John F. Kennedy. 15 June 1963. Web. 5 Nov. 2012. This telegram is important because it addresses Martin Luther King Jr.s assassination and the violence against African Americans. Robinson on Picket Line. n.d. Solipsis. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. <http://www.solipsis.com/ jackierobinson/civil_rights.html> This is a photograph of Jackie Robinson and other African Americans on picket line, which supports the fact that he was very involved in politics. Robinson Signs For $35,000. The Pittsburgh Press 24 Jan. 1950: 21. Web. 18 Jan. 2013. This article shows the difference between Jackies acceptance in 1947 and 1950. In 1947, Jackie was paid very little, only $5,000. In 1950, Jackie became the highest-paid Dodger at $35,000. Robinsons Triple. MLB. 28 Sep. 1955. MP3.

This is a video of Jackie Robinson hitting a triple in Game 1 of the 1955 World Series, Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Yankees. Royals Cancel Games Over Colored Issue. The Montreal Gazette 6 Apr. 1946: 14. Web. 18 Jan. 2013. This newspaper article states that the Montreal Royals were forced to cancel 3 exhibition games in Jacksonville, Florida because 2 Negro baseball players were refused permission to play in that city. Segregated Drinking Fountains. n.d. News New Mexico. Web. 10 Jan. 2013. <http://
newsnewmexico.blogspot.com/2012/04/jackie-robinson-day-revisited.html> This is a photograph of the segregated drinking fountains found throughout the country until the Civil Rights Movement. African Americans all had to deal with segregation in public places, and this is just one example. Sport 1952 Magazine. 1952. The Pop History Dig. Web. 10 Jan. 2013. <http:// www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=jackie-robinson-cincinnati>


This is a magazine cover of Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson on the magazine Sport in October of 1952. It supports my point that Jackie became a major part of pop culture in the 1950s.

Vice President Richard M. Nixon and Jackie Robinson. n.d. Biography. Web. 15 Dec. 2012. <http://www.biography.com/people/jackie-robinson-9460813/photos> This is a photograph of Nixon and Jackie, campaigning in northern New Jersey. Jackie first supported Nixon, but later regrets his decision to support him. Annotated Bibliography

Secondary Sources 42. 2013. Vibe. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. <http://www.vibe.com/photo-gallery/trailer-park-42-beautifulcreatures-gambit-and-more> This is the poster for the movie 42, which is based on Jackie Robinsons journey to integrate baseball. It is set to be released on April 12, 2013. Bacon, John U. Obamas Debt to Jackie Robinson. 23 Jan. 2009. MP3. This speech was insightful to how Jackie Robinsons one change in baseball caused the other changes in society. It gives background to how incredible the integration of baseball was for the time period it was in. Banks, Ernie. Hank Aarons Responsibility. CNN Transcripts. n.p., 15 May 2011. Web. 5 Jan. 2012. This transcript of an interview provides me with a quote that supports my section about Jackie Robinsons influence today. Change-maker in black history: Jackie Robinson. DoSomething. n.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. This secondary source is useful because it gives an overview of Robinsons achievements and actions that helped desegregation in baseball. His objection to step down from the MLB when fans and teammates threatened to strike is a major part of the desegregation. Crowe, J.D. Jackie Robinson of Politics. Cartoon. al.com. n.p., 30 Jan. 2009. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. <http://blog.al.com/jdcrowe/2009/01/hall_of_fame_cartoon.html> This is a political cartoon as President Barack Obama being the Jackie Robinson of Politics by being the first African American president. This also shows how Jackies impact followed through many decades, as he is still referenced today.

Goldstein, Richard. Jackie Robinson: Brooklyn Dodgers Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer. NY Times. n.p., 13 Apr. 2007. Web. 24 Jan. 2012. This article explains how Jackie Robinson had an important role in the civil rights movement and inspired many others to become involved. He evoked pride in African Americans and forced America to change perspectives. Granderson, Curtis. Interview. MLB. 15 Apr. 2012. This video of Curtis Granderson, an MLB player, conveys the image that Jackie Robinsons legacy survives today and his accomplishments affected society with a lasting impact. Grimsley, Will. Jackie Robinson Stamp is Issued. Gettysburg Times 3 Aug. 1982: 9. Print. This newspaper article shows how Jackies impact followed throughout decades because a stamp of him was issued. He was the first baseball player on a stamp, but his stamp was released as part of the Black Heritage USA series because his contributions were more than just in sports. Hill, Justice. Robinson affected American society. MLB. n.p., 14 Apr. 2007. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. This article gave important facts and details for my research about Jackie Robinson. It focused on Robinsons impact on society rather than his game. Horky, Allison. The Importance of Jackie Robinson to Baseball. Local. n.p., n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2013.

This article has a quote that I am using by Martin Luther King, Jr. "Jackie Robinson made

it possible for me in the rst place. Without him, I would never have been able to do what I did."

Jackie Robinson. United States History. n.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. This source gave many details about Jackie Robinsons entire career. It gave a nice overview of his entire life and his role in baseball. Jackie Robinson Breaks Barriers. The History Channel. n.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. This video explains that although Jackie Robinson was famous and successful, he faced segregation in places to stay and was told to turn the other cheek when insulted. Jackie Robinson Day. 2007. EPACHA. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. <http://www.epacha.org/Pages/ Jackie_Robinson_Foundation.aspx> This photograph is of the MLB, all wearing Jackies number, 42, in honor of Jackie Robinson day. 42 is the only number in baseball retired by every single team. Jackie Robinson Quotes. Baseball Almanac. n.p., n.d.Web. 6 Jan. 2012. This is a page of quotes, from and about Jackie Robinson, that provide support and evidence throughout my website by getting perspective from other people at the same time this was happening. Jackie Robinson Stamp. 1982. Garvey Cey Russell Lopes. Web. 9 Mar. 2013. <http:// garveyceyrusselllopes.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html> This is the 20 1982 postage stamp Jackie was featured on. He was the first baseball player to be featured on a stamp. Jackie Robinsons 94th Birthday. 2013. Google. Web. 31 Jan. 2013. <www.google.com>

This is a Google Doodle celebrating Jackies 94th birthday, and it shows how Jackies impact lasted far beyond his days playing professional baseball, as Google is the most used web browser in America. Robinson at Chock Full ONuts. Learn to Question. n.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. This article shows how Jackie Robinson helped find African Americans different jobs from his position at Chock Full ONuts. Robinson, Susan. Jackie Robinson. Gibbs Magazine. n.p., 5 March 2001. Web. 6 Jan. 2012. This article gives an overview of Jackie Robinsons career. It also is helpful with finding out more information about the discrimination he faced by breaking the color barrier in baseball. Rothschild, Richard. Jackie Robinsons debut changed the game -- and the nation. Sports Illustrated. n.p., 16 Apr. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. This source explains how Jackie Robinson entering the MLB not only changed baseball, but culture and society as well. Schwartz, Larry. A lifetime of breaking barriers. ESPN. n.p., 4 Feb. 2004. Web. 17 Oct. 2012. This secondary source is important because it gives a lot of achievements that Jackie Robinson had. It also notes the main points of Robinsons career in baseball and in civil rights. Segregation Timeline. Desart. n.p., n.d. Web. 6 Jan. 2012. This timeline of segregation helps me prove that Jackie Robinsons integration spurred many other civil rights movements and acts, and when they happened.

Spatz, Lyle. The Team That Forever Changed Baseball and America. New York: University of Nebraska Press. 2012. Print. This book provides an overview of Jackie Robinsons role in baseball and his importance in changing baseball. It shows how the Dodgers influenced society, and is a secondary source because it was written many decades after Jackie Robinson lived.