History of Jackie Robinson

	Revision 6 . . December 20, 2001 3:18 am by (logged).12.107.xxx [*Fleshed out the Jackie Robinson entry]
	Revision 5 . . (edit) November 3, 2001 3:04 pm by (logged).37.81.xxx [link fix]

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Added: 14a15,16

Robinson was a slightly curious candidate as the first Black Major Leaguer. Not only was he 27 years old, old for a prospect, he also had a fiery temperament. His future Dodger teammate Roy Campanella might have been a better candidate to face the jeering crowds, and abusive opponents. But it was Robinson.

Added: 17a20,24

Robinson's Major League prime was fairly short, as superstars go. He did not enter the majors until he was 28 and he was done by the time he was 37. But in his prime, he was a player respected and feared by every opposing team in baseball. He was not a great home run hitter, but in clutch situations, he hit home runs. He was not as smooth a fielder as some, but in clutch situations he made outstanding fielding plays. He was a strong hitter, and pure genius as a baserunner. He could accelerate to top speed in three steps, he had great courage and smarts and guts on the bases. By his talent and physical presence, he disrupted the concentration of pitchers and catchers and middle infielders.