Opening Day, April 15th, 1947

from left are Dodgers' John Jorgensen, Pee Wee Reese, Ed Stanky and Jackie Robinson, April 15, 1947; picture provided by the Associated Press

The Daily Worker

Lester Rodney writes a column about the the cheers to Jackie Robinson in the previous exhibition games. He reports on his observation about Robinson's subtle reaction in these games where fans cheer everytime he goes on bat, "...it took no remarkable perception to know that beneath Jackie's smile was at least a little wish to be let alone and treated just like any other rookie..." Imagine yourself being an extreme minority in a group; there are not much you can do other than smiling and being nice to others. You can't really be yourself. Robinson has been known for being a private person. The media attention and the pressure to succeed probably make him uneasy at times. His body language expresses that uneasiness as few people may notice.

Then Rodney offers his observation on the remarks of a journalist who expresses his opinions on the cheers to Robinson. As the crowd applaud Robinson when he steps in to bat, this journalist says, "I wish they would stop that already and just treat him as another ball player." Rodney acknowledges his agreement with the journalist. But this type of remark is expressed ahead of time. Robinson's appearance with the Dodgers is a historic moment; therefore, fans should cheer for him. As more and more black players would involve in baseball in the future, then fans probably won't be excited as in 1947. As Rodney later says, "The cheers are are saying something, something that will make it easier for Negro players to come, for the day when there'll be no special pressure upon an American ballplayer whose skin happens to be dark."


The New York Times

Arthur Daley offers his observation about the debut of Jackie Robinson in Major League Baseball. In the sports column "Sports of the Times" titled "Play Ball!" Daley illustrates the pressure that is waiting for Robinson. "Robinson almost has to be another DiMaggio in making good from the opening whistle. It's not fair to him, but no one can do anything about it but himself. Pioneers never had it easy and Robinson, perforce, is a pioneer. His spectacular season in the International League is no guarantee that he'll click just as sensationally in the Big Times. Too many minor-league phenomenons have failed for this to be a guide line. It's his burden to carry from now on and he must carry it alone." Daley's column shows the extraordinary pressure that Robinson is facing. Not only he is a rookie but also is he a minority with dark skin. The expectations are high, and the standard is different for Robinson. From a "white newspaper" perspective, Daley demonstrates the reality of the business.