This poem was sent to me this morning by Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle. It was done by a 7th grade student from Michigan. I thought I should share this with the world.<\/p>\n
\u201c42\u201d
\nIn 1947, the Dodgers were Brooklyn\u2019s team;
\nAnd the man in charge had a dream.<\/p>\n
To make baseball equal for all;
\nBecause black players could not scream, \u201cPlay Ball\u201d.<\/p>\n
Oh, sure, \u201cthey\u201d would play on dirt fields far and wide;
\nBut never on a Major League diamond could a Negro hit, catch or slide.<\/p>\n
The \u201cother\u201d league had great players, this is true;
\nSatchel, Josh, Cool-Papa to name a few.<\/p>\n
But Mr. Rickey needed a man who \u201ccould turn the other cheek\u201d;
\nHe needed a player of courage, who would be strong, not weak.<\/p>\n
For insults would be hurled and this man would be put to the test;
\nThroughout the season this man would have to be at his very best.<\/p>\n
He would have to ignore the pain and vitriol;
\nJust to prove he could \u201cPlay Ball\u201d
\nWith those who scorned and loathed him;
\nWith those whose lights burned dim.<\/p>\n
From far out West he came;
\nJack Robinson was his God-given name.<\/p>\n
A great athlete from UCLA;
\nHe starred for the Kansas City Monarchs during the day.
\nA base stealing threat and slugger by trade;
\nBranch Rickey knew this man was courageously made.<\/p>\n
He would not wilt under the slings and barbs that were sure to come;
\nHe would rise up and with his teammates become a \u201cBrooklyn Bum\u201d.<\/p>\n
Starting in Montreal, he showed his baseball skill;
\nStaring down bigotry, he proved his will.<\/p>\n
Earning a spot on the big-league roster;
\nHate, resentment most fans and teammates would foster.<\/p>\n
Donning number Forty Two, Jackie stepped onto Ebbets Field and heard a loud \u201cboo\u201d;
\nIt got louder at each city he went; the fans, opponents all filled with resentment.<\/p>\n
But, Robinson kept playing \u2013 Jackie persevered;
\nSingles he hit, catches he made and bases he cleared.<\/p>\n
To the pennant the Dodgers he led, always remembering what Branch Rickey had said:
\n\u201cYou must turn the other cheek, be courageous, not weak\u201d;<\/p>\n
Rookie of the Year, MVP and Hall of Fame, are some awards Jackie Robinson earned;
\nBut what makes him special, is that fire that burned.
\nTo be the first, a trail blazer some might say;
\nSo that players of all color could get a chance to play.<\/p>\n
By Grace Boczar, 7th Grade, Plymouth Scholars School<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This poem was sent to me this morning by Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle. It was done by a 7th grade student from Michigan. I thought I should share this with the world. \u201c42\u201d In 1947, the Dodgers were Brooklyn\u2019s team; And the man in charge had a dream. To make baseball equal for all; Because … <\/p>\n