Close don't count in baseball. Close only counts in horseshoes and grenades.
Frank RobinsonRead
It was a breaking period for black people coming into baseball, and how many followed depended on Jackie's conduct. But that's not the case now. What and how I do doesn't mean nearly as much as what and how Jackie did.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the significant impact Jackie Robinson had on breaking racial barriers in baseball and contrasts it with the experience of later players.
Frank Robinson highlights the pivotal role Jackie Robinson played in integrating baseball during a time of racial segregation, emphasizing that Robinson's behavior and performance were instrumental in shaping perceptions of African American players in the sport. Robinson set a precedent that not only influenced future generations of players but also transformed baseball into a more inclusive game, marking a crucial moment in sports history.
Themes
Jackie RobinsonBaseballIntegrationRaceLegacy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the history of baseball and its social impact.
More from Frank Robinson
All quotes →It's nice to come into a town and be referred to as the manager of the Cleveland Indians instead of as the first black manager.
Frank RobinsonRead
As a black, you find you have to be two or three times better than a white even to play. And when it comes to front-office jobs, management believes you'll never be as good.
Frank RobinsonRead
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