Jackie Robinson from the Chronology

Mar 2, 2005 - Jackie Robinson is posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal‚ more than a half century after breaking baseball's color barrier. Robinson is the second baseball player ever to get the award. The first was Roberto Clemente in 1973.

Oct 7, 2003 - The House of Representatives approves legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal for Jackie Robinson‚ the first black to play in the ML in the modern era.

Apr 21, 2003 - Minor league pitcher Jae Kuk Ryu‚ 20‚ knocks an osprey from its perch at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach before a game in the Class A Florida State League. The bird‚ nicknamed "Ozzy'" by fans‚ is blinded in its right eye and dies six days later. Following public outcry over the mascot incident‚ the Cubs will demote Ryu to the Lansing Lugnuts of the lower-level Midwest League. He is later promoted to the Double-A West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. After the season Ryu will be sentenced to serve 100 hours of public service for his bird assault.

Feb 2, 2003 - The Red Sox announce that Jackie Robinson will be nominated for the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his achievements as the first black player in modern major league baseball.

Feb 18, 1999 - The U.S. Postal Service issues a Jackie Robinson stamp as part of their "Celebrate the Century" program. Robinson was selected to represent the 40's‚ the 2nd ball player chosen. Babe Ruth‚ last May‚ represented the 1920s.

Apr 14, 1997 - The Braves pound the Reds‚ 14-5‚ behind Kenny Lofton's 5 hits‚ 2 SBs‚ and 5 runs scored. Deion Sanders‚ wearing his short-sleeves uniform‚ ties a Reds record with 4 steals. In early April‚ Deion had shorten the sleeves in a misguided gesture to honor Jackie Robinson. Sanders copied a Jackie photo on a box of Wheaties‚ a photo in which he appears to have no sleeves on his uniform. When told he was in violation of a dress code‚ the Reds voted to join Deion‚ and they appeared on field that way April 11.

Jun 15, 1991 - Former baseball commissioner Albert "Happy" Chandler dies of a stroke at age 92. As commissioner from 1945 to 1951‚ Chandler held office when Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1947.

Nov 4, 1987 - Padres catcher Benito Santiago is a unanimous selection as the NL Rookie of the Year‚ now called the Jackie Robinson Award‚ while Pirates pitcher Mike Dunne is the second choice on 22 of 24 ballots.

Nov 3, 1987 - Oakland 1B Mark McGwire wins the AL Rookie of the Year Award‚ now called the Jackie Robinson Award‚ joining Carlton Fisk (1972) as the only player to win that league's award unanimously. McGwire set a rookie record with 49 homers and was the first rookie to lead the majors in homers since Al Rosen in 1950.

Jul 14, 1987 - The BBWAA votes to rename the Rookie of the Year Award in honor of Jackie Robinson‚ who broke baseball's color barrier on the way to winning the first Rookie of the Year Award in 1947.

May 11, 1980 - In a 7-3 win over the Reds‚ Philadelphia's Pete Rose‚ 39-years old‚ steals 2B‚ 3B‚ and home in one inning. It is the fifth time since 1928 that this has been accomplished: The last National Leaguer to pull this feat was Jackie Robinson in 1954. Dusty Baker will do it in 1984.

Oct 24, 1972 - Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson dies of heart disease at age 53. Robinson had become the first black ML player of this century with the 1947 Dodgers.

Feb 13, 1968 - The Giants trade C Tom Haller and P Frank Kasheta to the Dodgers for infielders Ron Hunt and Nate Oliver. This is the first trade between the 2 clubs since 1956 when Jackie Robinson was sent to the Giants but retired instead.

Mar 17, 1965 - Jackie Robinson is signed as a member of the ABC-TV baseball broadcast team‚ becoming the first black to receive a network position broadcasting baseball. ABC provides the first-ever nationwide baseball coverage with weekly Saturday broadcasts on a regional basis.

Jul 23, 1962 - Bob Feller‚ Jackie Robinson‚ Bill McKechnie‚ and Edd Roush are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Jan 23, 1962 - Bob Feller and Jackie Robinson are selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.

Jan 5, 1957 - Jackie Robinson retires‚ voiding the December deal with the Giants.

Dec 13, 1956 - The Dodgers trade Jackie Robinson to the Giants for P Dick Littlefield and $35‚000. Robinson retires rather than accept the trade.

Oct 9, 1956 - The Dodgers bounce back. Clem Labine comes out of the bullpen to pitch a 1-0 victory in 10 innings. Enos Slaughter misjudges Jackie Robinson's fly ball‚ and Jim Gilliam scores from 2B.

Jul 31, 1956 - In front of 26‚141 fans‚ including 1‚000 standees‚ at Jersey City‚ Jackie Robinson drives in all the Dodger runs in a 3-2 win over the Braves. Robinson plays 3B‚ his third infield position since joining the Dodgers. The Braves scoring comes on a home run‚ the 22nd game in a row that Milwaukee batters have homered. The Braves have hit 39 homers in the stretch‚ a ML record for the most homers in that number of consecutive games. The Dodgers hold the NL record of 24 straight games‚ in 1953‚ a stretch that saw them hit 39 dingers.

Sep 28, 1955 - The Yanks win the first game of the WS‚ as Whitey Ford beats Don Newcombe‚ 6-5. In a controversial play with Frank Kellert at bat‚ Jackie Robinson steals home in the 8th to bring the Dodgers to within a run of a tie. Films later disclose that Robinson is out by a whisker‚ but Yankee C Yogi Berra actually balked on the play‚ receiving Whitey Ford's pitch before Kellert could swing at it.

Apr 23, 1955 - In a celebrated fight with the Dodgers‚ Alvin Dark takes on Jackie Robinson after the latter bowls over pitcher Sheldon Jones‚ covering first on a bunt. Jones injures his back in the incident. Brooklyn wins 3-1.

Apr 22, 1955 - Though the Dodgers take a 3-0 lead into the 8th‚ their streak ends as the Braves' Max Surkont beats Johnny Podres 5-4. Don Zimmer is called out at home on a squeeze play by Jackie Robinson that would have tied the game. Alston vehemently protests the call and gets sent to the showers for his efforts.

Aug 8, 1954 - The Dodgers score an NL record 13 runs in the 8th off Cincinnati in Ebbets Field to win 20-7. Twelve of the runs are unearned and an NL-record 12 are tallied with two outs and no one on. Gil Hodges gets a triple and a HR in 3 at bats in the inning‚ while Clem Labine‚ who has a career .100 BA‚ walks twice. Jackie Robinson drives in 3 runs with a single as Snider scores from 1B. Campanella‚ Gilliam‚ and Don Hoak all homer for Brooklyn in the game to pin the loss on Karl Drews.

Aug 1, 1954 - Dodgers Clem Labine beans Joe Adcock in the 4th. His helmet apparently saves him from a serious injury‚ but he is taken out of the game as a precautionary measure. He will appear in the starting line-up tomorrow. Gene Conley reciprocates by knocking down Jackie Robinson in the 6th and Robinson ends up scrapping with Eddie Mathews. The Braves win 14-6‚ their 10th win in a row‚ as Conley runs his record to 10-5. The Braves set a ML mark for extra bases on long hits in 2 consecutive games (44).

Jul 17, 1954 - For the first time in ML history‚ a majority of a team's starting lineup is black. Against Milwaukee‚ the Dodgers start Don Newcombe with Campanella catching‚ Junior Gilliam at 2B‚ Jackie Robinson at 3B‚ and Cuban-born Sandy Amaros. The Braves win‚ 6-1.

Jun 2, 1954 - The Dodgers score 5 unearned runs in the 5th good for a 7-6 rain-splashed victory over the Braves‚ that ends after 5 innings Moments after umpire Ballafant clears the Brooklyn bench for protesting a walk to Logan‚ Eddie Mathews belts a grand slam in the 4th. After being banished Dodger star Jackie Robinson accidentally flings a bat into the stands‚ injuring a spectator.

Apr 23, 1954 - Jackie Robinson steals 2B and 3B‚ then swipes home on the front end of a triple steal with Gil Hodges and Sandy Amoros in the 6th against the Pirates. The Dodgers win 6-5 in 13 innings‚ when Robinson doubles home Junior Gilliam.

Oct 8, 1953 - The city of Birmingham‚ AL‚ bars Jackie Robinson's Negro-White All-Stars from playing there. Robinson gives in and drops the white players from his group.

Aug 30, 1953 - The Dodgers rip St. Louis 20-4 with the help of 2 big innings. Dodger Jackie Robinson fans twice in the 3rd inning‚ while Gil Hodges walks twice in the 7th‚ when a record-tying dozen runs score. Roy Campanella's 5 RBIs ties the NL season mark of most RBIs by a catcher (122).

Apr 24, 1953 - Jackie Robinson walks twice in the 6th inning‚ as the Dodgers score 6 runs en route to a 12-4 pasting of the Giants.

Dec 2, 1952 - Dodgers executive Buzzie Bavasi dismisses the Yankees reaction to Jackie Robinson's charges. Commissioner Ford Frick plans no action against Robinson.

Nov 30, 1952 - On a local TV program‚ Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson charges that the New York Yankee management is racist for its failure to bring up a black player. George Weiss of the Yanks denies the allegations.

Oct 7, 1952 - In Game 7 the Yankees take their 4th consecutive WS championship‚ as Allie Reynolds‚ one of 3 relievers‚ defeats Joe Black 4-2. Billy Martin saves the day by snaring a 2-out‚ bases-loaded IF pop off the bat of Jackie Robinson. Gil Hodges goes hitless again and is 0-for-21 in the Series. Each Yank will receive a winners' share of $6‚026‚ and each Dodger‚ a losers' share of $4‚200.

Jul 8, 1952 - The NL defeats the AL 3-2 behind the pitching of Phils Curt Simmons and Cubs Bob Rush in Philadelphia. The game is ended after 5 innings because of rain with Bob Lemon the losing pitcher. Hank Sauer's homer with Stan Musial aboard in the 4th proves to be the deciding run. Shantz strikes out the side in the 5th‚ whiffing Whitey Lockman‚ Jackie Robinson‚ and Stan Musial. Lon Warneke umps his first All-Star game after pitching in three in the 1930s.

Oct 2, 1951 - The Dodgers bounce back as rookie Clem Labine evens the playoff with a 10-0 win‚ besting the Giants' Sheldon Jones. Home runs are smashed by Jackie Robinson‚ Gil Hodges‚ Andy Pafko‚ and Rube Walker. Willie Mays grounds into 3 DP.

Sep 30, 1951 - Jackie Robinson hits an upper deck HR in the 14th inning off Robin Roberts‚ who came on in the 8th‚ to give the Dodgers a critical 9-8 win over the Phils. Robbie saves the game in the 13th by making a great catch of an Eddie Waitkus line drive and throwing to 2B for a DP. In the process‚ he injures his elbow. Reliever Bud Podbielan is the winner‚ the victory keeping Brooklyn in a first place tie with the Giants. Catcher Andy Seminick of the Phils walks 5 times‚ the first Phillie to do so in a game. The Dodgers overcome a 6-1 deficit to win and set the stage for a playoff with the Giants.

Sep 9, 1951 - Sal Maglie wins his 20th game to give the Giants a 2-1 win over the Dodgers' Ralph Branca. Monte Irvin's two-run homer in the 4th gives New York all its scoring‚ The Dodgers score in the 8th on a double by Snider and a triple by Jackie Robinson. But 3B Bobby Thomson snags a ground‚ tags Robby‚ and throws to first for a DP. The Dodgers still lead the Giants by 5 1/2 games.

Sep 8, 1951 - The pennant race heats up‚ as Dodger ace Don Newcombe 2-hits the Giants‚ 9-0‚ beating Jim Hearn. Jackie Robinson has 3 hits and 3 runs‚ scoring one run from 3B when he provokes Jim Hearn into wild pitching. Giants pitchers contribute 10 walks.

Sep 2, 1951 - Don Mueller hits 2 more HRs‚ giving him 5 in 2 days‚ to tie an ML mark. His 2nd homer‚ again off Phil Haugstad‚ comes a minute after he learns he is a new father. Bobby Thomson adds his 25th homer and Jim Hearn beats the Dodgers 11-2. After Mueller's 2nd homer‚ Haugstad decks Thomson and hits Mays with a pitch‚ evoking a warning from Al Barlick. Barlick had earlier thumbed Branca and Dick Williams in the 5th inning‚ Newcombe in the 6th when he objected to a call‚ and Jackie Robinson and rookie Clem Labine. Dressen then clears his bench to avoid any more thumbings. The Giants move to 5 games behind Brooklyn. The Dodgers are suspicious of the losses at the Polo Grounds‚ and later there are revelations about signs being flashed to Giant batters from the CF scoreboard. Did it happen? Sal Yvars later said‚ "yes‚" while Mueller remarked‚ "as for my home runs and the sign stealing‚ this has been much talked about and I would prefer not to comment." On the Dodgers side‚ Buzzie Bavasi denied it occurred‚ but Clyde Walker concluded‚ "it did happen."

Aug 26, 1951 - The Pirates club the Dodgers‚ 12-11 to win the opener of two with the league leaders. Brooklyn chases Howie Pollet and takes a 9-2 lead but the Bucs roar back with 8 runs in the 7th inning. Light-hitting Pete Castiglione does the early damage with a 2-run homer and solo shot before the 8-run 7th. Clyde King‚ unscored on in his last 8 games‚ is the loser. The Dodgers load the bases in the 9th‚ and Murry Dickson walks PH Cal Abrams to force in a run and make the score 12-11. But Furillo and Reese fail to deliver. Brooklyn wins the second game‚ 4-3‚ when Jackie Robinson homers in the 10th‚ off Ted Wilks. Andy Pafko homers in the 8th‚ off Bob Friend‚ and Preacher Roe (17-2) goes all the way.

Aug 22, 1951 - The Dodgers sweep a pair of 10-inning games from St. Louis‚ with Clyde King picking up both come-from-behind victories. King goes 3 innings in game 1 and one inning in game 2. Jackie Robinson is 5-for-6 in the nitecap including a 2-out single in the 10th off Al Brazle. Andy Pafko has a homer in the nitecap‚ while Stan Musial hits his 29th in game 1. Furillo has 3 hits on the afternoon and a pair of assists in game 1‚ bringing his season total to 21. The Dodgers have now won 14 straight from the Cards.

Jun 22, 1951 - A power failure at Forbes Field delays the start of the game with Dodgers by 2 hours. Rain holds up play in the 6th inning by another 36 minutes‚ pushing the ending to 1:56 a.m.‚ the latest game played to date. Brooklyn has no power problems as Jackie Robinson's homer helps Da Bums to an 8-4 win. Of the 24‚966 on hand at the start‚ 10‚000 are still on hand at the end.

Jun 18, 1951 - Preacher Roe (16-2) returns after a 10-day absence and subdues the Braves‚ 5-3. Jackie Robinson snaps a 2-2 tie with a homer in the 8th off Chet Nichols.

Jun 17, 1951 - In Boston‚ the Dodgers win the first of two‚ 3-1‚ behind Carl Erskine's 2-hitter. Gil Hodges hits his 34th homer in support. The Braves jump on Johnny Schmitz for 3 runs in the first inning and take the nitecap‚ 4-3. Jackie Robinson leaves 13 baserunners in the 2 games.

Aug 16, 1950 - Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers denies news reports that Jackie Robinson‚ last year's MVP‚ will be traded. The latest tempest was started by the second baseman's comments after he was removed from the lineup on August 12th by Bert Shotton after making an error. "I wouldn't be surprised if I was traded‚" Jackie was quoted as saying.

Aug 1, 1950 - The Dodgers complete a suspended game of June 24th with the Pirates‚ by scoring 2 more runs in the 8th to post a 21-12 win‚ outhitting the Pirates 25 to 8. Roe is the winner over Bill Werle. 12 extra base hits are made by the 2 teams‚ including 5 HRs. Jackie Robinson hits his 2nd career grand slam as the Dodgers score 7 runs in both the 3rd and 8th innings. In the regular contest‚ Erv Palica gives the Brooks a 3-1 win.

Jun 24, 1950 - The first-place Dodgers lose to New York's Sunday curfew when their game with the Pirates is halted with one out in the 8th‚ Brooklyn leading 19-12. Five homers are hit including Jackie Robinson grand slam in the 8th. The game will be completed later.

Jun 1, 1950 - Marty Marion‚ Sid Gordon‚ and Hank Thompson hit grand slams for the Cards (5-2 over Brooklyn)‚ the Braves (14-2 over the Pirates)‚ and the Giants (8-7 in the first of 2 at Cincinnati) respectively. Gordon adds a second homer as he drives home 7 runs for Boston‚ winners over the Pirates‚ 10-6. The Cards lose the services of C Joe Garagiola‚ who separates his shoulder after tripping over Jackie Robinson covering 1B‚ and Tommy Glaviano‚ who sprains his ankle. Hitting .347 at the time‚ Garagiola won't return until September 3 (as noted by Bill Deane) and will hit only 2-for-13 the rest of the season. But the grand slam‚ the first in Marion's 11-year-career‚ moves the Birds into a tie for first place with the Dodgers/

Apr 25, 1950 - Joe Hatten gives the Dodgers (51) their fifth straight win‚ stopping the Braves 3-0 on two hits. Vern Bickford loses to Brooklyn for the first time after 3 wins. Jackie Robinson is 3-for-3 with a walk‚ to pace an 8-hit attack.

Jan 24, 1950 - Jackie Robinson signs a contract for $35‚000‚ reportedly making him the highest paid Brooklyn player in history.

Nov 18, 1949 - NL batting leader (.342) Jackie Robinson is picked for the NL MVP award.

Oct 6, 1949 - Another 1-0 game‚ and Preacher Roe wins this one for Brooklyn to knot the Series. Gil Hodges' single drives in Jackie Robinson in the 2nd for the winner.

Sep 22, 1949 - Combining 19 hits and 13 walks off 6 Cardinal pitchers‚ the Dodgers blast a 19-6 win over the host Birds and climb to half-game behind them. Furillo sets the pace with 7 runs batted in on 3 doubles and 2 singles. Joe Hatten goes all the way for his 10th win and his first in his last 7 decisions against the Cards. Enos Slaughter‚ hitless for the night‚ relinquishes the batting lead to Jackie Robinson‚ 2-for-5. Stan Musial belts his 32nd homer of the year‚ and his 21st against lefties. This is a record for a left-handed batter that will be matched by Ken Griffey‚ Jr. in 1996 and 1998.

Sep 20, 1949 - Jackie Robinson steals home in a 5-0 Dodger win against the Cubs. It is his 5th steal of home this year-the 2nd against the Cubs-and the 13th in his 3 years in the NL. That is the most career home swipes in the ML since Ben Chapman stole his 15th and last in 1940‚ his 11th season.

Sep 9, 1949 - The Giants score 6 in the 7th to rip the Dodgers‚ 10-1 and end the Dodgers 6 game win streak. The Giants rap Roe‚ Branca and Barney for 13 hits‚ including homers by Bobby Thomson and Hank Thompson. Despite terrorizing the NL with baserunning‚ Jackie Robinson is picked off base by Dave Koslo‚ the 4th time the Giants pitchers have nabbed Robby.

Jul 28, 1949 - A 12-for-25 run raises Jackie Robinson's NL-leading average to .364. Jackie will tail off from that mark but will win the batting title at .342.

Jul 18, 1949 - Speaking out against racial discrimination‚ Jackie Robinson testifies in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee. That night he scores twice‚ once on a steal of home in the 6th with Bob Rush on the mound‚ to lead the Dodgers past the Cubs‚ 3-0.

Jul 12, 1949 - The NL commits 5 errors‚ allowing the AL to record an 11-7 triumph in the All-Star Game at Ebbets Field. The contest marks the first appearance of black players-Jackie Robinson‚ Roy Campanella‚ and Don Newcombe in the NL lineup and Larry Doby among the AL stars.

May 30, 1949 - Jackie Robinson hits a 13th-inning HR to give the Dodgers a 2–1 game one win at the Polo Grounds. The Giants take the nitecap, 7-4, and the Leo Durocher-Robinson feud is fueled when Robby steals second during a timeout for a pitching change. He has to return to first and Leo gives him the “swollen head” gesture.

May 21, 1949 - The Dodgers break up a tight game with an 8-run 9th to trim the Cardinals‚ 15-6. Pee Wee Resse scores 5 runs and Jackie Robinson has 6 RBIs.

May 15, 1949 - Boston's Vern Bickford stops the Dodgers‚ 4-0‚ allowing just four singles. One is by Gil Hodges‚ extending his hitting streak to 17 games. Jim Russell switch hits a homer and double to pin the loss on Morrie Martin. The Braves start Al Lakeman at 1B in place of Earl Torgeson‚ who separated his shoulder yesterday when he attempted to block Jackie Robinson on a double play. Torgeson will be operated on tomorrow and will be sidelined several months.

May 14, 1949 - The Braves overcome an 8th inning grand slam by Gil Hodges and beat the visiting Dodgers‚ 7-6. The Dodgers take the lead in the 12th on an RBI triple by Jackie Robinson‚ but Boston plates 2 to win.

Sep 16, 1948 - The Dodgers shrug off a first inning grand slam by Hank Sauer‚ off Ralph Branca‚ and a 4th inning solo shot by pitcher Ken Burkhart‚ his first ML homer‚ and beat the visiting Reds‚ 12-6. Marv Rackley has 4 singles and Jackie Robinson and Carl Furillo combine for 7 RBIs.

Sep 6, 1948 - The Boston Braves increase its lead to 4 games as Warren Spahn lasts 14 innings to beat Da Bums‚ 2-1. Spahn twice picks off Jackie Robinson in his 5-hitter. In the 7-inning nitecap‚ Johnny Sain wins‚ 4-0. Salkeld and McCormick bat out of turn 3 times in game 2 and not till the latter's single in the 5th is the irregularity noticed. The umps then rule he's out of turn and he loses his hit; Salkeld's 2 earlier hits stand. The crowd of 40‚000 pushes the Braves attendance over the 1.3 million mark‚ a new high. Spahn and Sain will start 11 of the next 16 games.

Aug 29, 1948 - The Dodgers sweep a doubleheader‚ 12-7 and 6-4‚ against the Cardinals to take over first place ahead of the Braves by 3 percentage points. In the first game‚ Jackie Robinson hits for the cycle‚ scores 3 runs‚ drives in 2‚ and swipes 3B. The Cardinals use 42 players‚ a major league record‚ in the two games‚ with Brecheen and Munger taking the losses. With the Braves losing a pair to the Pirates‚ 6-1 and 5-2‚ Boston's lead shrinks to a half-game over Brooklyn. In the AL‚ only 2 games separate the Red Sox‚ Indians‚ and Yankees.

Aug 22, 1948 - The Dodgers steal 8 bases‚ including a 5th-inning triple steal with Jackie Robinson on the front end. But the Braves win 4-3 to move 2 games ahead of 2nd-place Brooklyn. In the last 19 steal attempts against the Braves‚ no Dodger has been thrown out.

Jul 17, 1948 - The Dodgers down the Reds‚ 8-4 and 10-4 for their 12th win in 14 games. Ralph Branca wins the opener as Jackie Robinson clouts a 3-run homer in the 8th. Paul Minner wins his first ML game in the nitecap with 6 innings of relief. During an argument with Frank Dascoli‚ Reds catcher Dewey Williams grabs the ump. Willliams will be fined $100 and suspended for five games. However‚ with catcher Ray Mueller on the disabled list with a broken ankle‚ the Reds appeal the suspension‚ stating they have only one catcher‚ Ray Lamanno. Ford Frick‚ NL prexy‚ will rule that Williams will serve the suspension in the Reds clubhouse‚ while dressed in full uniform. If anything happens to Lamanno‚ Williams can substitute‚ and a game will added to the suspension.

Sep 23, 1947 - Working 5 innings in a Series tune-up‚ Joe Hatten wins his 17th game and his first against a first-division team‚ as the Dodgers beat the Giants‚ 6-1. Dan Bankhead finishes. In a pre-game ceremony‚ Jackie Robinson receives a car‚ TV set‚ $500 watch‚ and other gifts.

Sep 17, 1947 - Jackie Robinson is named Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News 2 weeks before the season is over. At the year's end he has hit .297‚ led the league in stolen bases and sacrifices. He has 14 bunt hits‚ and in a game against the Cubs in June he scored from 1B on a sacrifice.

Sep 11, 1947 - In the start of a crucial series in St. Louis‚ Ralph Branca‚ 21‚ wins his 20th as the Dodgers clip the Cardinals 4-3. The tense battle ignites after Joe Garagiola spikes Jackie Robinson at 1B the 2nd inning. Coming to bat in the 3rd‚ Robinson has words with Garagiola ("a teeth to teeth exchange" Time) and the two are finally separated by coach Clyde Sukeforth. It is the first time that Robinson has reacted on the field.

Jun 24, 1947 - The Dodgers win 4-2 over the host Pirates‚ as Jackie Robinson swipes home in the 5th (Ostermuller pitching) for the first of 19 times in his career. Reese hits his 8th homer to back Ralph Branca's pitching.

Jun 22, 1947 - Ewell Blackwell just misses pitching back-to-back no-hitters when Eddie Stanky of the Brooklyn Dodgers singles with one out in the 9th inning. Stanky's hit ends Blackwell's hitless-inning skein at 19. Blackwell then gets Al Gionfriddo before Jackie Robinson bangs out a single. Blackwell wins 4-0‚ his 9th straight win to improve to 11-2. Joe Hatten hurls hitless ball for 4 2/3 innings before walking 4 in the 4th and the Reds score 3 in the 8th to chase him. In the nitecap‚ the Dodgers win 9-8 as Carl Furillo drives in 7 runs. His grand slam in the 4th caps a six-run inning.

Jun 5, 1947 - The Dodgers vault over the Cubs and Giants‚ who split a twin bill‚ by defeating the Pirates‚ 3-0. The Dodgers sweep the 4-game series. Jackie Robinson has three hits‚ including a homer‚ while Bruce Edwards adds a single‚ double and triple to pace the Dodgers 10-hit attack. Rookie Harry Taylor allows just two hits‚ both to Wally Westlake‚ in winning his 3rd straight.

May 27, 1947 - Before 51‚780 fans at the Polo Grounds‚ the Dodgers defeat the Giants‚ 7-3. Da Bums score in the first inning when a Dixie Walker single drives home Jackie Robinson.

May 18, 1947 - At Chicago‚ the Dodgers and Jackie Robinson attract a crowd of 46‚572-still a single game paid attendance record at Wrigley. Brooklyn scores after 18 shutout innings and beats the Cubs‚ 4-2‚ extending the Cubs' losses to 5 straight. Robinson goes 0-for-4 to stop his hitting streak at 14 games: he'll start a 21-game streak on June 14. Joe Hatten is the winner while Cubs starter and loser Johnny Schmitz walks 8 and strikes out 9 before relief comes in.

May 14, 1947 - The Reds Ewell Blackwell whips the Dodgers‚ 2-0‚ handing Brooklyn its first shutout of the year. Jackie Robinson collects 2 of the Dodgers' six hits to run his hitting streak to 11 games.

May 9, 1947 - In his first game outside of New York City‚ Jackie Robinson has two hits and scores twice in the Dodgers 6-5 loss to the Phillies. After the game‚ the Dodgers give their young first baseman a vote of confidence by selling Howie Schultz‚ Robby's back up‚ to the Phils for $50‚000. Tomorrow‚ Branch Rickey announces he's giving up his attempts to pry Johnny Mize away from the Giants.

May 8, 1947 - A movement among Cardinal players to protest its first meeting with Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers is aborted by a clubhouse talk from owner Sam Breadon. According to a story by writer Stanley Woodward‚ League president Ford Frick had warned the team that if a strike occurred‚ any player involved would be suspended. Cardinal manager Eddie Dyer denies there was any strike talk. The Cards win 5-1‚ for their 2nd win in a row.

Apr 30, 1947 - In Brooklyn‚ the Cubs top the Dodgers‚ 3-1. Jackie Robinson‚ nursing a sore right arm‚ is hitless and is 0-for-20 since April 23rd. He'll double tomorrow in his first at bat.

Apr 18, 1947 - The Giants shell the Dodgers‚ 10-4‚ with Jackie Robinson hitting his first home run‚ off Dave Koslo‚ in the loss. In a sign of things to come this year‚ the Giants counter with 6 homers-2 apiece by Bobby Thomson and Bill Rigney‚ and one apiece by Johnny Mize and Willard Marshall. Scout Burt Shotton is the surprise choice to replace Leo Durocher: he participates in the pre game flag raising and then manages the team.

Apr 17, 1947 - The Dodgers win 12-6 over the Braves at home‚ as Jackie Robinson gets his first ML hit-a bunt single‚ off Glenn Elliot. Robinson will bunt 42 times‚ collecting 19 hits‚ during the year. The Brooklyn offense is led by fellow rookie Johnny "Spider" Jorgensen‚ who drives in 6 runs.

Apr 15, 1947 - Facing Johnny Sain‚ Jackie Robinson goes hitless in 3 trips in his debut but handles 11 chances at 1B‚ a new position for him‚ in a 5-3 Brooklyn win over the Braves. Coach Clyde Sukeforth‚ interim manager and the man credited with first scouting Robinson‚ guides the team to 2 wins and a loss before he steps down. The Dodgers also announce the release of Ed Head‚ who threw a no-hitter last year‚ to Ft. Worth.

Apr 1, 1947 - Branch Rickey deflects pressure on Jackie Robinson by keeping him in Montreal‚ although it is clear the contending Dodgers can use the 1946 International League batting king.

Apr 18, 1946 - Jackie Robinson debuts as 2B for the Montreal Royals (International League) and is the first recognized black in organized ball in this century. A HR and 3 singles in a 14-1 win over Jersey City starts off the season‚ one in which he will win the IL batting championship at .349.

Mar 17, 1946 - In Daytona Beach‚ The Dodgers take the field against their minor-league farm team‚ the Montreal Royals. With Jackie Robinson in the lineup for Montreal‚ the game marks the first appearance of an integrated team in organized baseball in this century. More than forty years later‚ the field will be renamed Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

Oct 23, 1945 - Branch Rickey announces the signing of Jackie Robinson by the Dodger organization. Robinson signs a Montreal (IL) contract for 1946. Black pitcher John Wright also signs.

Apr 16, 1945 - Under pressure from local politicians‚ the Boston Red Sox allow 3 blacks-Marvin Williams‚ Sam Jethroe‚ and Jackie Robinson-to work out at Fenway Park. None is signed.

Mar 18, 1942 - Two black players‚ Jackie Robinson and Nate Moreland‚ request a tryout with the Chicago White Sox during spring training at Pasadena. Manager Jimmie Dykes allows them to work out but dismisses the two without an offer.

May 10, 1934 - Lou Gehrig hits 2 HRs (one a grand slam) and a pair of doubles‚ tying the record with four long hits‚ and drives in 7 runs‚ but leaves the game after 5 innings with a severe cold. The Yanks top the White Sox‚ 13-3. During the game Ben Chapman shouts racial remarks at a Jewish fan. In 1947 he will lead the dugout bigots in protest of Jackie Robinson.

May 1, 1884 - Moses Fleetwood Walker becomes the first black in the ML when he plays for the Toledo club in the American Association. He goes 0-for-3 in his ML debut‚ allowing 2 passed balls and committing 4 errors‚ as his team bows to Louisville 5-1. He will do better in 41 subsequent games before injuries force Toledo to release him in late September. Racial bigotry will prevent his return to ML ball. In July he is joined by his brother Welday‚ an OF. No other black player appears in a ML uniform until Jackie Robinson in 1947.