Breaking the "Color Line" by Mackenzie

Breaking the "Color Line" by Mackenzie - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

Mackenzie Radzik
Varsity Tutors Scholarship

If you could bring someone back for a day, who would it be and why? Many people may answer this question with a lost loved one, a favorite artist, or a favorite actor. It also tends to be the first person that comes into their minds. By being asked to specifically pick a historical figure, it presents a challenge. The possibilities of men and women to choose from are endless, just like their impact on society. I decided to choose a man who broke the barriers of separation by color. Why? Because it happens to be that my two life long friends are so-called “minorities”. Another aspect weighing in on my choice is that I am a baseball fan, and legends such as Babe Ruth, Trevor Hoffman, and Derek Jeter popped into my head. However, one man in particular stood out, and that would be the one and only Jackie Robinson.
Jackie Robinson single handedly broke the “color lines” regarding baseball when he played for the Dodger’s as a first baseman back in 1947. Jackie wasn’t even a first baseman, in fact he was a second baseman. While the positions may be in the infield, that is the only comparison they have. He still went out and played and that decision says many things about him. He didn’t care if he was in his original, comfortable position, all he wanted to do was go out and play the game. Jackie was already about to make a huge statement for not only the Brooklyn Dodger’s, but also for Major League Baseball, and the entire United States that would change the rules of baseball forever. This courageous decision came from a man who instilled integrity, leadership, and risk, just few of the many redeeming qualities from Jackie himself.
Jackie was a patient man. He knew baseball was the sport he wanted to play and instead of pushing on segregation directly, he waited for his time. While he waited for his national debut, Jackie was a member of two negro baseball leagues. He did not let color barriers keep him from playing the game he loved and played so well. He also spent a year playing in the minor leagues for the Brooklyn Dodgers in which his character was tested. In fact, part of Jackie’s agreement with the Dodgers was to “turn his cheek” when receiving racial backlash due to a black man in a white man’s sport. His pride was strong, but if ignoring hateful behavior got him in the game, he would take it. Why? Jackie was a fighter. He wanted the people to know he wasn’t afraid to change the way things had been, and with that simple decision set the precedent for all African American baseball players.
Conclusively, I wouldn’t so much as want to share a meal with a fellow athlete as much as I would want to play the game with them. If I had a meal, a simple game of catch, or even a two minute chat at a bus stop with Jackie Robinson, I know he would instill insight and knowledge to a young woman who loves to be inspired by brave decisions and bold behavior. Jackie was never afraid to strive for his goals. He was a legend, one that many baseball enthusiasts will never forget, I just wish I would have been able to see one of the most passionate ball players in his prime.