Close don't count in baseball. Close only counts in horseshoes and grenades.
Frank RobinsonRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Recognition based on merit is more valuable than being defined by race.
In this quote, Frank Robinson expresses the hope that his identity as a manager of the Cleveland Indians will be recognized for his capabilities and achievements rather than being overshadowed by his race as the first Black manager. This highlights the desire for equality and meritocracy in positions of leadership, emphasizing the importance of being seen as an individual first, not as a representative of a demographic category.
Themes
LeadershipEqualityRaceRecognitionMerit
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about diversity in leadership roles.
More from Frank Robinson
All quotes βAs 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
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.
Frank RobinsonRead
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