Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball

This little book--small in dimensions and hardly over 100 pages in length--should be on everyone's bookshelf. Whether you remember watching Jackie Robinson play (as I do), or whether he's just a name from the distant past; whether you're white (as I am), or black, or any other race, creed or color; whether you're a baseball fan (like me) or someone who couldn't care less about the National Pastime, Jackie Robinson's story is for everyone.The only reason I didn't give this book a 5-star rating is that there's really nothing new in it; if you already know the saga of Robinson's integration of baseball you aren't likely to learn a lot of news things about it here. But Scott Simon writes beautifully and movingly and retells this great American story with verve and directness. I've read that there are professional baseball players today (even black players!) who barely have any idea who Robinson was or what he endured. His story should never be forgotten and this wonderful book will help assure that Robinson's memory endures.

This book is a perfect two-hour read for a Saturday morning after listening to the author on NPR's Saturday Morning Edition. The reader can hear Mr. Simon's distinctive and familiar voice when reading the pages. The book is not intended to be a comprehensive history on baseball's integration or a biography of Jackie Robinson, as noted in the opening pages. Rather, it provides just the right amount of background on Mr. Robinson and Mr. Richey, as well as the context surrounding events. Mr. Simon's notes and examples stimulate readers to learn more about particular people and events. I particularly recommend this book (and possibly the series from the list of forthcoming books) as a quick read for adults and teenagers who desire to read about the people and events that shaped our nation, yet must balance the responsibilities of family, work and community, which may prevent them from reading longer books.

In the annals of baseball history, Jackie Robinson stands among the true greats of the game. He was that rare ballplayer who excelled at hitting, fielding, and baserunning (stealing home became his 'signature' baserunning move). But Jackie Robinson was more than a great ballplayer; he was a pioneer. He endured overwhelming racism and even death threats, and became an icon for the civil rights movement along the way. Simon vividly describes the tense atmosphere of Robinson's first games in the majors, and describes how some of Robinson's own teammates were afraid to stand next to him for fear of gunshots. The author has written an insightful and enjoyable account of Robinson's breakthrough into the major leagues. Definitely recommended.

This is the second book I've read in the series (after Columbus in the Americas by William Least Heat-Moon). They are both vivid, concise accounts of extraordinary moments. I came to this book without knowing much about Jackie Robinson. I couldn't put the book down. It's a remarkable story and so beautifully written. I highly recommend it and look forward to others in the Turning Point series. It's a wonderful idea, to get great authors to offer their insights about a particular historic event in a pocket size book.

Whether you are a fan of baseball, of Scott Simon, or just of US history, you should not miss this book. Scott Simon deftly retraces this history of this man. The influence and inspiration of his career on not only African Americans, but all Americans, comes to life. Robinson faced the challenges of racism at every turn of his career, yet he was able to rise above his challengers. I can't wait to read other books in the Turning Points Series.