Quotes

“We all sensed that history was in the making, that the long ban against Negro players was about to come crashing down, setting up reverberations that would echo across a continent and perhaps around the world.”

Jackie Robinson on his first Minor League game at Jersey City on April 18, 1946

“There doesn't seem to be anything he can't do.”

Dink Carroll, Montreal Gazette, August 8, 1946

“Everything he did, they booed him. I remember our pitcher Jim Wilson knocked him down, and the fans cheered. Robinson didn't seem to pay any attention to any of it.”

Otey Clark, Louisville Colonels pitcher

“It was probably the only day in history that a black man ran from a white mob with love instead of lynching on its mind..”

Sam Maltin, Pittsburgh Courier, on Robinson being mobbed by fans after his final game in Montreal

“Do you really think that a [racial epithet] is a human being, Mr. Rickey?.”

Clay Hopper, Montreal Royals manager, to Branch Rickey during Spring Training of the 1946 season

“(Robinson is) a player who must go to the majors. He's a big-league ballplayer, a good team hustler, and a real gentleman..”

Clay Hopper, Montreal Royals manager, at the conclusion of the 1946 season

“Jack found his own style, his own style of play. He found his place on the team ... being in Montreal and doing well and being on a Championship team made him feel more secure about his place in baseball.”

Rachel Robinson