Jackie Robinson Small Group Activity RI 7.3

Jackie in his Montreal Royals Uniform outside the Dodger’s Clubhouse

When Branch Rickey talked with Robinson before the season he said: “Jackie (Robinson), we’ve got no army. There’s

virtually nobody on our side. No owners, no umpires, very few newspapermen. And I’m afraid that many fans will be

hostile. We’ll be in a tough position. We can win only if we can convince the world that I’m doing this because you’re a

great ballplayer, a fine gentleman.”

What concern did Branch Rickey express to Jackie Robinson about their position in the league?

• They had many supporters in the media.

• • They would face hostility from fans.

• They had a strong team of players.

• They were favored to win the championship.

Jackie in his Montreal Royals Uniform outside the Dodger’s Clubhouse

When Branch Rickey talked with Robinson before the season he said: “Jackie (Robinson), we’ve got no army. There’s

virtually nobody on our side. No owners, no umpires, very few newspapermen. And I’m afraid that many fans will be

hostile. We’ll be in a tough position. We can win only if we can convince the world that I’m doing this because you’re a

great ballplayer, a fine gentleman.”

According to Branch Rickey, what was essential for their success in integrating Jackie Robinson into the league?

• Having a large number of fans on their side.

• Convincing people that Robinson was a great ballplayer and gentleman.

• Recruiting more players to join their cause.

• Gaining support from other team owners.

Jackie in his Montreal Royals Uniform outside the Dodger’s Clubhouse

When Branch Rickey talked with Robinson before the season he said: “Jackie (Robinson), we’ve got no army. There’s

virtually nobody on our side. No owners, no umpires, very few newspapermen. And I’m afraid that many fans will be

hostile. We’ll be in a tough position. We can win only if we can convince the world that I’m doing this because you’re a

great ballplayer, a fine gentleman.”

What do the phrases "no army" and "virtually nobody on our side" imply about the challenges faced by Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey?

• They had many allies in their fight for equality.

• They were isolated and lacked support from influential people.

• They were confident in their ability to succeed.

• They had a strong plan to win over the fans.

John Jorgensen, Pee Wee Reese, Ed Stanky and Jackie Robinson on opening day 1947

Jackie’s feat was a watershed moment in the history of our country. Blacks had struggled for years against Jim Crow

laws, discrimination in voting rights, and even simple human decencies such as where they could use a rest room,

what hotels they could stay in or what part of the bus that they could sit. In baseball many white fans were upset that

blacks would be coming to see Robinson in stadiums that they would not have been allowed in before. Players from

other teams heckled Robinson, he received hate mail, people sent made death threats, and he was spiked and spit

on. But Jackie Robinson kept his pledge to Dodgers owner Branch Rickey not to lash out at his tormentors, as Rickey

told him that he needed a man “with enough guts not to strike back.” In doing so his on field performance and poise

under pressure won him the National League Rookie of the Year honor in 1947.

What significant challenge did Jackie Robinson face on opening day in 1947?

• He was celebrated by all fans.

• He was heckled and received hate mail.

• He won the game easily.

• He was immediately accepted by all players.

John Jorgensen, Pee Wee Reese, Ed Stanky and Jackie Robinson on opening day 1947

Jackie’s feat was a watershed moment in the history of our country. Blacks had struggled for years against Jim Crow

laws, discrimination in voting rights, and even simple human decencies such as where they could use a rest room,

what hotels they could stay in or what part of the bus that they could sit. In baseball many white fans were upset that

blacks would be coming to see Robinson in stadiums that they would not have been allowed in before. Players from

other teams heckled Robinson, he received hate mail, people sent made death threats, and he was spiked and spit

on. But Jackie Robinson kept his pledge to Dodgers owner Branch Rickey not to lash out at his tormentors, as Rickey

told him that he needed a man “with enough guts not to strike back.” In doing so his on field performance and poise

under pressure won him the National League Rookie of the Year honor in 1947.

How did Jackie Robinson respond to the discrimination he faced from fans and players?

• He quit playing baseball.

• He lashed out at his tormentors.

• He adhered to his promise not to retaliate.

• He became angry and refused to play.

John Jorgensen, Pee Wee Reese, Ed Stanky and Jackie Robinson on opening day 1947

Jackie’s feat was a watershed moment in the history of our country. Blacks had struggled for years against Jim Crow

laws, discrimination in voting rights, and even simple human decencies such as where they could use a rest room,

what hotels they could stay in or what part of the bus that they could sit. In baseball many white fans were upset that

blacks would be coming to see Robinson in stadiums that they would not have been allowed in before. Players from

other teams heckled Robinson, he received hate mail, people sent made death threats, and he was spiked and spit

on. But Jackie Robinson kept his pledge to Dodgers owner Branch Rickey not to lash out at his tormentors, as Rickey

told him that he needed a man “with enough guts not to strike back.” In doing so his on field performance and poise

under pressure won him the National League Rookie of the Year honor in 1947.

What was the outcome of Jackie Robinson's perseverance during his first season?

• He was banned from the league.

• He became the National League Rookie of the Year.

• He was traded to another team.

• He received no recognition for his efforts.

What does it mean to "analyze" something in literature or history?

• To summarize the main points

• To break it into smaller components for study

• To compare it with other works

• To memorize important facts

Which of the following best describes a "citation"?

• A personal opinion about a text

• A summary of an entire book

• A reference from a text used as support

• An illustration in a document

In historical studies, what is meant by an "event"?

• A long-term trend in society

• A fictional story in a history book

• A theory about past occurrences

• Something that happens, an activity or occasion

Which of the following best defines "evidence" in academic work?

• A personal belief about a topic

• An unsupported claim

• Facts or information used as support

• A question asked about the subject