I had practiced with the team
â
I had practiced with the team,
and the first scheduled game was with the University of Missouri.
They made it quite clear to the Army that
they would not play a team with a black player on it.
Instead of telling me the truth,
the Army gave me leave to go home.
â
Meaning
This quote exposes the cruelty of segregation by showing how institutions hid discrimination instead of confronting it honestly. Prejudice was enforced through cowardice.
About Author
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was an American baseball player and civil rights activist, famously breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. His quotes often reflect courage, determination, and equality. Robinson inspires athletes, activists, and leaders to challenge injustice, persevere against adversity, and make a lasting impact in sports and society.
Related Quotes
â The colonel replied that he didn't care how my men had got the job done. He was happy that it had been accomplished. He said that, obviously, no matter how much or how little I knew technically, I was able to get the best out of people I worked with. â
This quote means effective leadership is less about technical expertise than about bringing out the best in people. Results reveal the quality of the leader.
â In all my years of baseball, I have always expected to be traded. I never liked the idea. â
This quote means being treated as movable property in a business can feel dehumanizing even when it is expected. Acceptance does not remove discomfort.
â Pop flies, in a sense, are just a diversion for a second baseman. Grounders are his stock trade. â
This quote means routine ground balls, not spectacular plays, are the real daily work of a second baseman. Mastery comes from ordinary duties.