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 Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you're wasting your life. â
This quote means life is meant for active participation, not passive watching. Standing aside from experience is a waste of living.
â Many people resented my impatience and honesty, but I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect. â
This quote means the speaker values respect more than popularity or comfort. Honesty may cost acceptance, but dignity matters more.
â The old Dodgers were something special, but of my teammates overall, there was nobody like Pee Wee Reese for me. â
This quote means Pee Wee Reese stood out as an exceptional teammate whose character and support were especially meaningful. It is a tribute to loyalty.