Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball

by Scott Simon

"An extraordinary book . . . invitingly written and brisk."  —Chicago Tribune

"Perhaps no one has ever told the tale [of Robinson's arrival in the major leagues] so well as [Simon] does in this extended essay."  —The Washington Post Book World

"Scott Simon tells a compelling story of risk and sacrifice, profound ugliness and profound grace, defiance and almost unimaginable courage. This is a meticulously researched, insightful, beautifully written book, one that should be read, reread, and remembered."  —Laura Hillenbrand, author of the  New York Times  bestseller  Seabiscuit

The integration of baseball in 1947 had undeniable significance for the civil rights movement and American history. Thanks to Jackie Robinson, a barrier that had once been believed to be permanent was shattered—paving the way for scores of African Americans who wanted nothing more than to be granted the same rights as any other human being.

In this book, renowned broadcaster Scott Simon reveals how Robinson's heroism brought the country face-to-face with the question of racial equality. From his days in the army to his ascent to the major leagues, Robinson battled bigotry at every turn. Simon deftly traces the journey of the rookie who became Rookie of the Year, recalling the taunts and threats, the stolen bases and the slides to home plate, the trials and triumphs. Robinson's number, 42, has been retired by every club in major league baseball—in homage to the man who had to hang his first Brooklyn Dodgers uniform on a hook rather than in a locker.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, History

180 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2002

About the author

SCOTT SIMON is one of America's most admired writers and broadcasters, having reported from all over the world and from many wars. He is now the award-winning host of Weekend Edition Saturday. With over 4 million listeners it is the most-listened to news program on NPR. Simon has won a Peabody and an Emmy for his reporting and also has over 1.2 million followers on Twitter.

Reviews

[Allison Malter · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Thomas Mullen’s outstanding and frightening novel about black policemen who broke the color barrier in the Jim Crow south in 1948, I thought it fitting to read about the athlete who integrated baseball in the 40’s. My favorite NPR host, Scott Simon, is the author who writes in the style of his spoken commentary. Indeed as I read the words I can hear his voice. He begins by describing Jackie Robinson as a hero, even as he is writing in the post 9/11 days of heroism. “Jackie Robinson gave his life for something great; heroes do. He chose to bear the daily, bloody trial of standing up to beanballs and cleats launched into his shins, chest, and chin, and the race-baiting taunts raining down from the stands, along with trash, tomatoes, rocks, watermelon slices, and Sambo dolls.” Scott Simon writes as much about the institutional racism in the northern cities as he does about the sport. It’s a short book but a fascinating look at an era in baseball.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently re-watched "42", the Jackie Robinson bio movie with the late Chadwick Boseman as Robinson, I wanted to read a short biography about the player who changed so much both in sports, and specifically, in baseball. Although this book is intended for younger readers, author Scott Simon is a well known NPR journalist, and keeps this movie. The movie does not cover Robinson's career with the Montreal Royals, the book does. (4.0-4.3/5.0 stars).

[Steven A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a shorter, easy read. The author strongly focuses on Jackie's trials and attitude as he began playing in MLB. There are mentions of his time at UCLA and in the Army, but the focal point of this particular story is certainly baseball. Thus the title is fitting. Scott Simon also works in a bit of fun humor and anecdotal footnotes to further detail some characters or situations.

[Roncibio · Rating 3 out of 5]

A succinct, but unfortunately somewhat superficial rehash of one of baseball's most significant moments. For someone with little knowledge to the events that led to Robinson taking the field with the Dodgers in 1947, this provides a quick, easy to read overview.

[Michael Romo · Rating 3 out of 5]

National Public Radio host Scott Simon tells us about the epic struggle of Jackie Robinson in his and Branch Ricky’s quest to racially integrate baseball. Robinson’s courage and determination combined with Ricky’s cunning and guile are well-illustrated in this worthwhile and readable book.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning about Jackie Robinson's first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers integrating Major League Baseball was fascinating, and Scott Simon tells the story very well.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrifying tale told with the dignity of a man who overcame and won the hearts of so many. Educational and illustrative of the world I was born into and grew up in (and thankfully moved away from).

[Catherine Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitly liked the second half better than the first half, but there was just something missing. I thought Scott Simon's voice was really strong, almost distractingly so. He was very heavy handed.

[Nolan Rasmussen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book Title: Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Baseball
Author: Scott Simon
Lexile: Unknown
Star Rating: 1 Star

I dislike this book. I am a baseball player and was hoping to read about Jackie Robinson as a baseball player, including his struggles as the first African American in Major League Baseball. However, the book's primary focus was on historical non-fiction describing challenges in the United States with so many young men active in WWII, and views of segregation and civil rights. The book provided a lot of background on New York City and Brooklyn's love of the Dodgers.
My favorite part of the book was reading about Branch Ricky, who was the Manager of the Dodgers, and how he strategized on how to recruit Jackie Robinson from the Monarch's, which was a Kansas City Negro League team. He thought through Jackie's challenges and even the reaction of the Brooklyn fans to having the first African American player in the MLB. My least favorite part of the book were the many occasions when history was discussed in great detail. For example, there was a full chapter which described New York City, including the characteristics of each of the five boroughs. It described Brooklyn as a large city within a city. I would not recommend this book to readers who are looking for a story about Jackie Robinson and baseball. However, if readers are interested in learning about history when Jackie Robinson became an MLB player, they may enjoy reading this book.

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually prefer to read longer, more detailed biographies that really delve into the psyche of a historical figure, by examining personal writings and other primary sources. However, this book was focused on one particular aspect of Robinson's life and of history, and therefore, served its purpose well. It was a very quick read, infused with the author's own humor and wit, which was refreshing. I also enjoyed the random splatter of contemporary historical events (e.g. newspaper headlines) throughout the text--they highlighted the juxtaposition of what Jackie Robinson had to endure versus what most other Americans (especially White Americans) were reading about in the newspapers. While America was dealing with the beginning of the Cold War, Jackie Robinson was experiencing his own personal "hell." This book definitely prepped me for the new Jackie Robinson movie coming out next month.

[Philip Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read two baseball books a year, one at the beginning of the season and one at the end. Just finished this, loved it, and had mixed feelings: A. I have had this book since it's release (2001-2002?) when I met Scott Simon at Northwest Bookfest when he was touring the book ��� so, why did I wait so long? and B. I am glad I did wait until this year. It somehow fit right into my current reading list and our current times. Book magic!

Also, very intrigued with publisher J. Wiley's imprint of Turning Points, of which this is an edition. From their website:Turning Points features preeminent writers offering fresh, personal perspectives on the defining events of our time.

Looking forward to checking out some more from them in that series.

Thank you, Scott Simon!

-Philip Swanstrom Shaw

[D Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Simon did an excellent job writing this book. I’m not the least bit interested in the game of baseball, but the story surrounding Jackie Robinson in this book was amazingly well written. He not only wrote about the struggles and life of Jackie Robinson, but Mr. Simon provided a vivid description of the type of world (as contradictory as it was) that people lived in during the time of segregation.

[Jacob Cunningham]

Even though I liked this book, I thought it could've been more focused on Jackie Robinson rather than all of the other events that were going on in the baseball world. A biography should be based on that person, and this book had a lot to do with other people and other events that had nothing to do with Jackie's life. Other than those 2 points, it was a good book when it came to showing the reader what Jackie did to break down the colored barriers of baseball.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short history and reflection on the heroic stand against hatred that a naturally combative all around athlete took to reintegrate the game is thoughtfully presented by Simon, along with his reflections of what heroism means.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read--I finished it in one long sitting. Despite the brevity, I felt I got a really vivid image of the time and situation, and especially of Jackie Robinson's extraordinary struggle.

[John Bartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good in telling the reader a behind the scenes look on jackie robinsons history. it went in depth and was very informative. I highly enjoyed reading this book

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting little book.

[Lucie Nofziger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baseball and Scott Simon with history thrown in. Could there be a better combination?