Jackie Robinson Quotes

• The Brooklyn Dodgers today purchased the contract of Jackie Roosevelt Robinson from the Montreal Royals. He will report immediately.
  -- Dodger's News Release, April 10, 1947

• Jack was cool and calm and ready to play. It was not a big deal for him. Whatever he felt, he kept to himself. Jack got prepared to leave with no particular discussion of what he was thinking about, no display of nerves or indication that he was worried.
  -- Rachel Robinson, Jackie's wife, 15 Apr 47

• The debut of Jackie Robinson was quite uneventful, even though he had the unenviable distinction of snuffing out a rally by hitting into a remarkable double play. The muscular Negro minds his own business and shrewdly makes no effort to push himself. He speaks quietly and intelligently when spoken to and already has made a strong impression.
  -- Arthur Daley, NY Times coverage of Robinson's debut, 15 Apr 47

• If you do this, you will be suspended from the league. You will be outcasts. I don't care if half the league strikes. Those who do it will encounter quick retribution. All will be suspended and I don't care if it wrecks the National League for five years. This is the United States of America and one citizen has as much right to play as another. The National League will go down the line with Robinson, no matter the consequences. You will find if you go through with your intentions that you will have been guilty of complete madness.
  -- NL President Ford Frick, on the threatened boycott by the St Louis Cardinals, 1947

  

• This guy don't come to the ballpark to beat you. He comes to beat you bad. This Robinson, he plays a ton.
  -- Leo Durocher, Dodger Manager, 1947

• Jackie was the greatest competitor I ever saw. He didn't win. He triumphed.
  -- Ralph Branca, Dodger pitcher, 1947

  

• I had to fight hard against loneliness, abuse and the knowledge that any mistake I made would be magnified because I was the only black man out there.
  -- Jackie Robinson

• With grace and steely determination, he pushed open a door that should never have been closed and held it open for the countless talented young men and women who followed him.
  -- President Bill Clinton, on Jackie Robinson, 15Apr97

• Thank You, Jackie Robinson -- Nike Ad, April 1997

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