Did Jackie Robinson have a greater impact on or off the the baseball field?

2016-04-10T12:22:08-04:00

Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was an American Major League Baseball second baseman who became the first African American to play in the major leagues in the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when the Brooklyn Dodgers started him at first base on April 15, 1947. The Dodgers, by playing Robinson, ended racial segregation that had relegated black players to the Negro leagues since

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-04-10T15:25:53-04:00

Jackie was a model that few have followed. He handled more adversity than most will ever see, and he did it with class.

His was great on the field AND off.

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Apr 10 at 2016 6:22 PM

2016-04-10T18:22:51-04:00

SPC Andrew Griffin ,
From my perspective, it is my belief that Jackie Robinson provided a dual impact both on and off the field. His breakthrough was monumental because he breaking down barriers within the realm of sports and segregation, but he also put up some defining numbers that coupled his athleticism and ability. Thus showing that he was for real about the sport he loved. Awesome share!
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/robinja02.shtml

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 11:51 PM

2016-04-10T23:51:06-04:00

My personal opinion is that, while he was a great ball player (there are and have been better), his biggest impact was OFF the field. Sure, a LOT of his impact was due to his grace _ON_ the field in the face of holy-crap adversity, but the hope he gave to a generation and a face he gave to the folks that began to doubt their racist attitudes... I think those are impacts are bigger than his on-field accomplishments.

He's a phreaking hero, that's all I care about.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 11 at 2016 9:46 AM

2016-04-11T09:46:13-04:00

I do not think you can separate the two. This on field impact was directly tied to his off field impact and visa versa. Nonetheless, his actions have forever made the number 42 an important number not only in baseball but in the eyes of everyone that continues to benefit from what he did.