(film reel flicking) (orchestral music) >> Narrator: This is the story of a boy in his dream.

But more than that, it is the story of an American boy and a dream that is truly American.

The year 1928, the time, spring.

If you were a young man, your thoughts were undoubtedly turning to those of love.

But if you were a young boy, your thoughts were of one thing, baseball.

(kids shouting) (bat cracking) >> Great bunch of infielders we got!

>> Yeah, big leaguers.

>> Hit me one, mister.

>> What do you want?

>> Grounder, fly, anything.

>> Watch this.

>> How's that for a ball player?

>> Yeah, we got to give him another chance.

Hey kid, you want another?

>> Jackie: Yes sir.

>> Here it comes.

Hey kid, come here a minute.

Now don't tell me that one didn't sting.

>> Just a little bit.

>> Man: Haven't you got a glove?

>> No sir.

>> Come here a minute.

>> You mean I can borrow this?

>> No, you can have it.

>> For keeps?

>> For keeps.

>> Yay!

(upbeat music) Mom, Mom!

>> Yes Jackie?

>> Look Mom!

>> Where'd you get it?

>> A man down here gave it to me.

>> Torn.

>> You could sew it up.

>> Aw Jackie.

Jackie!

>> Yes Mom?

>> Sew 'em on like that?

>> No, Mom, the way you have them now reads Junior Pasadena College.

That way, Mom, Pasadena Junior College.

>> Of course, how'd I get it mixed up like that?

My, my.

>> Yeah, they wouldn't know who I'd be jumping for at the track meet tomorrow.

>> Is that what your brother Mack won a medal for?

Is that what you're talking about?

>> Won a medal?

Ma, when Mack jumped for Pasadena Junior College he broke the national junior college record and nobody has jumped that far since.

>> That's nice.

(upbeat music) >> This kid jumped 25 feet, six and a half inches, Bill, broke his brother's record.

>> Do you think maybe he could jump over that Southern Cal line?

>> He led the conference in TDs.

Only there's one problem, Bill.

>> What do you mean, the Trojans have already got him?

>> No, no, no, he's a colored boy.

I heard somebody squawking about getting colored boys too many athletic scholarships.

>> Colored boys are all right with me if they're the right color.

>> Man: The right color?

>> I like a good clean American boy with a B average.

That's the kind of a boy you're talking about, his colors are blue and gold.

>> UCLA colors, huh?

>> That's right and you can tell it to Robinson for me.

(upbeat music) (cheering) >> Come on Jackie, come on, come on boy!

Come on, Jackie, come on.

>> Hey, you're his brother, aren't you?

>> That's right.

>> You're Mack Robinson.

I ran against you when you were at Oregon.

>> Oh, sure, you ran for Southern Cal.

>> Pete Eubank, this is my wife.

>> Hello Mack.

>> How do you do?

This is Rae Isum, Jackie's girl.

>> What are you doing these days, kid?

>> Oh, I got a good steady job.

>> Glad to hear it.

>> Come on, Jackie.

(whistle blowing) >> Easing up?

>> Yeah, a lot.

>> I don't know what's the matter with those guys out there, giving it to Jack like that just because-- >> Just because she's the best half back on the field.

>> Oh yeah, yeah sure.

>> And Jackie, I wasn't kidding about that either.

They certainly have a lot of respect for you out there.

>> I have a lot of respect for them too, believe me.

>> How has Mack been doing lately?

I always liked Mack.

>> Mack, oh Mack's doing fine.

(orchestral music) Been waiting long?

>> No, just got here.

>> Somebody told me you got an honorable mention on the All-American.

>> Did I?

>> Somebody else told me you cut class this morning.

>> Could be.

>> Was it because you worked late last night?

>> And because I went to see about a better job, a full time job.

>> Why now, you've still got some time before you graduate.

>> If I graduate.

>> Oh.

>> Suppose I finished out the year.

I'm no further along than when I started, no closer to getting a half decent job so I can afford to get married.

>> Who are you thinking of marrying, Mr. Robinson?

>> Oh, you know who.

>> Your mother will take it hard if you quit school now.

>> Yes, I know.

>> You ought to talk to her before you do anything and to Mack.

>> Yeah, it was Mack I was thinking of.

>> Well if you just went till June and get your diploma.

>> A lot of good college education did Mack.

>> Mack's all right, he's got a job.

>> Yeah, a good steady job.

(soft music) Hey Mack.

>> What are you doing here this time of night?

>> I fixed you some lunch.

Here, catch.

>> Man, that's really smart signal calling.

>> I thought you'd be hungry.

>> I'm always hungry.

Sit a while?

>> Sure.

>> Anything bothering you?

>> I want to quit college, right after the basketball season.

>> What for?

>> I gotta get a job.

I want to marry Rae.

School's one thing, but you and Mom can't support Rae too.

>> Can't wait till you graduate?

>> What good will a degree do me?

They're not hiring colored football coaches, not our color anyway.

>> Don't you want to play baseball this season?

>> What good will that do me?

Baseball is one sport that'll never let me in.

>> Yeah, it's your best sport too.

I wonder if there's any place where they will let you in There's one place nobody draws a color line.

>> Yeah, great job for a college man.

>> May not be a great job, but it's steady.

(energetic music) >> Nice going that half, Jackie.

>> Thanks a lot.

>> What's this I hear about you quitting?

>> Yeah, right after the basketball season.

>> We'll miss ya, fella.

You got a job lined up?

>> No, not yet.

>> What about those letters we sent to the high schools?

Any answers?

>> Three.

>> What'd they say?

>> The first school didn't want me for a coach.

The second school didn't want me for a coach.

And the third school, they just didn't want me.

>> Any mail for me?

>> Five more letters.

>> Business must be good, let's open 'em.

>> This college doesn't want any coaches.

>> Bainbridge either.

>> Harden U says sorry.

>> Western State, no soul.

>> You got a job, brother.

>> I have?

What does it say?

>> Listen to this, from the President of the United States.

Greetings.

(orchestral music) >> Woman: He sure writes interesting letters.

>> Oh yes, listen to this note.

The other day, my commanding officer called me in and told me the good news.

So I'm some kind of athletic director at last, even if it's for the Army.

>> Sounds like he happy.

>> And he looks good too.

There's a picture.

>> And a lieutenant now, that's a mighty fine job.

(upbeat music) >> Why can't this wait til later on?

Dinner's almost ready.

>> It'll only take a minute, Mom.

>> That's just like you.

The first thing on the top of your glove.

What are you going to do with it?

>> I don't know.

Don't know if I'll ever do anything with it again.

>> More mail again.

I bet you spend 50 bucks on stamps.

>> If it gets me a job it'll be worth it.

>> Idaho Poly doesn't want any coaches.

>> Could've guessed that.

>> Hey, wait a minute.

>> What is it?

>> A job!

>> Not the President greeting me again?

>> No, but you read it.

(upbeat music) >> Pick out the one you like and give it a ride.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Announcer: Now batting for the Black Panthers, Jackie Robinson, shortstop.

(audience applauding) (mumbling) >> This is a new boy, Samson, take it real easy with him, nice and easy.

Let him hit it.

>> Yeah, I'll do that little thing.

>> Alright, pitch it right up for you.

Easy man.

>> Strike one!

>> Let me help you up, Mr. Robinson.

Goodness, I don't know what's wrong with that pitcher today.

You had not do that, Samson, you make this boy a man.

Nice and easy, I said.

>> Ball one.

>> What's wrong with that boy?

He's incorrigible, that's what he is, incorrigible.

Right here now, man.

>> Strike!

>> Down the line, he sure sling pretty.

Hold it!

(bat cracking) >> Safe!

>> You shouldn't have done that, new boy, I thought we were gonna be friends.

(cheering) >> Catcher: Why did you throw the ball away?

(men singing) >> Hey, that's not enough of that.

What about to shortening bread?

>> Nevermind about shortening bread.

How about some ham and eggs?

(chattering) >> Okay, okay, we'll stop at the next drive in.

>> Is it always like this, sleeping on the bus?

>> Most of the time.

We sleep, we eat and we play ball.

Then we get on a bus and do it all over again.

You got a cigarette?

>> I don't smoke.

>> That Ernie, always begging cigarettes.

>> Ernie: I can't afford to buy 'em.

>> Why not, don't you get paid like the rest of us?

>> Yeah, I get paid a little.

I've got a wife in Birmingham and I have to send her every buck.

Got a new baby coming in a couple of weeks too.

Sure wish I could be there.

>> Well why don't you take a week off and go?

>> Can't, haven't got the money.

After what I send home I just manage to make it to pay day.

>> You're breaking my heart, here.

>> Thanks boy.

(shouting) Get back, get back, get back.

>> Who's going in?

>> New boy's turn, rules and regulations, new boy always goes first.

>> I guess that means you, Jackie.

>> What will I have to do?

>> Three things, see if we can eat inside, two, see if we can wash up, three, if we can't eat inside see if they will fix up sandwiches.

>> Yeah, what is it?

>> 16 of us outside in a bus, how's chances of getting something to eat?

>> Well, I'm all alone here.

Afraid I couldn't help you.

>> How about some sandwiches, could we have sandwiches?

>> Well I.

>> How many of them did you say?

>> Jackie: 16.

>> Well I can make you 16 beef sandwiches and maybe the same in ham and egg, that do you?

>> Swell, how bout some fried potatoes on the side, Chef?

>> Chef: Yeah, take about 20 minutes.

>> Thanks.

Do you suppose we could wash up a bit?

>> Sorry, it's out of order.

>> Say Ernie.

>> Yeah.

>> When are they going to give me a contract with the team?

>> Contract, you wanna know about contracts with this team?

>> Yes.

>> Say fellas, this man wants to know about contracts.

>> Contracts?

Fix your right up with the information.

>> Yes sir, contracts.

Tell him about that, boy.

>> You want a contract with the Panthers?

The first thing you got to do, borrow some money from the boss.

Then you know you got a job until he gets paid back.

>> If you can get him to lend you the gift.

>> Yeah and you gotta keep your eye on the grandstand.

When you got a good day and a good crowd, that's the time to hit him up.

>> You want a week salary?

That means you got a one week contract.

>> When you went for two, that means you got a two week contract.

(mumbling) >> Okay you guys, come on.

>> Strike two!

You're out!

>> Well, that's the ballgame.

>> Boy, that Robinson sure had a good day, didn't he?

>> Sure did.

(chattering) >> Robinson, Robinson, can I see you?

I'm Clyde Sukeforth of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

I'd like to talk to you for a minute.

>> What about?

>> About you, Branch Rickey would like to see you.

>> He would?

>> Do you think you could get away for a day starting tonight?

>> I guess so.

>> Good, I'll take care of the tickets.

Now you meet me at the Union Station at seven o'clock, the New York gate, is that okay?

>> Sure, that's great.

>> Hey, who's your friend?

>> Pal from the Brooklyn Dodgers.

>> Oh sure.

>> They signed me for the New York Yankees once.

>> They were gonna give me a bonus to pitch for the Red Sox.

>> And then his keeper came.

>> Some guys think they're funny.

>> Yeah, you could say that again.

(door knocking) Yes?

>> Robinson, Clyde Sukeforth!

Robinson, is that you in there?

>> Coming!

>> I don't understand this, Robinson.

Don't you have a good mind or are you playing coy?

I waited for you till I missed the train.

What's the idea?

>> You don't mean you're really with the Dodgers.

(train horn blowing) (upbeat music) >> You got a girl, Jackie.

>> Well, I don't know.

>> What do you mean you don't know?

>> Traveling around all the time and not writing as often as I should.

I think I still have a girl.

>> Good, you'll need one.

You know why we brought you here?

>> No, sir, not exactly.

But I heard you were starting a colored ball team.

Is that it?

>> No.

You were brought here to play with the Brooklyn organization, Montreal to start with.

>> Me, play for Montreal?

>> I want to win pennants and we need ballplayers.

The war set us back a little.

So three years ago, the Brooklyn Dodger management decided to scout untapped sources of supply, Mexico, Cuba, all the Latin American countries and our own country too, that right Clyde?

>> From coast to coast.

>> Yes, for players who can help us win.

Many of the men we saw were good.

Some had great promise, like you.

You think you can do it, Jackie, make good in organized baseball?

>> If I got the chance.

>> There's more here than just playing.

I wish it just meant runs and hits and errors, the things you can see in a box score.

A box score.

You know, a box score is really democratic, Jackie.

It doesn't say how big you are or how your father voted in the last election or what church you attend.

It just tells you what kind of a ballplayer you were that day.

>> Well, isn't that what counts?

>> It's all that ought to count.

And maybe someday it's all that will count.

That's why we brought you here.

I want to see if we can make a start in that direction.

It'll take a lot of courage.

>> Yeah, it sure will.

>> It might take more courage for the organization than for you, Jackie, have you thought of that?

>> I haven't thought of anything, it's also sudden.

It kind of hits me straight between the eyes.

>> Just relax, boy.

There's plenty of time.

Pull up a chair, make yourself comfortable.

>> Thank you.

>> We're tackling something big here, Jackie.

If we fail, no one will try again for 20 years.

But if we succeed-- >> If we succeed Brooklyn will win a pennant.

>> Yeah, that too.

But we're dealing with rights here, the right of any American to play baseball, the American game.

You think he's our boy, Clyde?

>> Well, he can run, he can hit and he can field.

>> But can he take it?

>> That I don't know.

>> What do you think, Jackie?

>> Well, I can try.

>> Think you've got guts enough to play the game no matter what happens?

They'll shout insults at you, they'll come in at you spikes first, they'll throw at your head.

>> They've been throwing at my head for a long time.

Mr. Rickey.

>> Hold on a player at the end of an important game.

Suppose I collide with you at second base and when I get up, I say, you dirty black so and so.

What do you do?

>> Mr. Rickey, do you want a ball player who's afraid to fight back?

>> I want a ballplayer with guts enough not to fight back.

You've got to do this job with base hits, stolen bases and fielding round balls, Jackie, nothing else.

Now I'm playing against you in a World Series and I'm hot headed, I wanna win this game.

So I go in at you spikes first.

You jab the ball in my rib and the umpire says out.

All I can see is your black face, that black face right over me.

So I haul off and punch you right in the cheek.

What do you do?

>> Mr. Rickey, I've got two cheeks.

>> Good.

Do you have a contract with the Black Panthers?

>> No, sir, we don't have contracts.

>> Any agreement verbal or written about how long you play with them?

>> No, sir, not at all.

>> All right.

Clyde will give you a contract before you leave.

Don't sign it right away, this is a very important move.

Think it over it carefully.

Is your mother living?

>> Yes, sir, she's in California.

>> Call her up, ask her advice.

We'll pay the phone bill.

>> Yes sir.

>> And Jackie, remember one thing, no matter what happens on the ball field, you can't fight back.

That's going to be the hard part.

You can't fight back.

Helen, get Jackie Robinson's home in Pasadena, California.

>> It's Sycamore, seven, six, four, five, nine.

(phone ringing) >> Hello?

Who?

From New York?

Yes, put him on please.

It's Jackie, Mom, calling from New York.

>> Why's he calling, is something wrong with him?

>> Just a minute, Mom.

Hello?

Yes.

Jackie?

How are you, kid?

Are you okay?

He's okay, Mom.

You want to talk to Mom?

Oh sure, she's right here.

He wants to talk to you, Mom.

>> Hello, Jackie.

You all right?

You got a chance for what?

>> I can be the first Negro to ever play in organized baseball, Mom, if I'm good enough, if I can make the grade.

Only, I'll be taking a big chance.

>> Mack, they want Jackie to play baseball for Brooklyn.

>> They do?

>> Well Jackie, I don't know what kind of advice to give you.

Only, only there must be churches in a big town like New York.

Why don't you go find yourself a church and talk to the minister and see what he has to say.

And Jackie, anytime you have a real problem, listen to God a while.

Here, talk to your brother Mack.

He knows more about baseball than I do.

>> Come in.

>> Are you Reverend Carter?

>> That's right, son.

>> My name's Robinson, Jackie Robinson.

>> Glad to know you, Mr. Robinson.

>> I need some advice, important advice.

>> Then suppose we sit down and talk this thing over.

You are new to this part of the city, Mr. Robinson?

>> I'm from California.

I came to New York yesterday to see Branch Rickey.

>> Rickey, do you mean Mr. Rickey, the baseball man?

>> Yes, I'm a ballplayer, Reverend.

I've just learned that the Brooklyn Dodgers have been scouting Negro ballplayers for a couple years and Mr. Rickey thinks I'm good enough to, well Reverend, it just means that a colored man will be able to play on the same field with a white man for the first time.

>> Who goes out to these ballparks, Jackie?

Just white men?

>> No.

Anybody can buy a ticket, Reverend, colored or white.

>> But tell me, Jackie, what do you think would actually happen if you were to get out on a white baseball field?

>> I don't know.

They might call me names.

They might even beat me up.

>> I don't mean what would happen to you, Jackie.

I mean what would happen to the colored people?

>> Might start fights, might even start a riot.

>> That's true.

On the other hand, every step forward for our people has started a fight somewhere for the time being anyhow.

This is a big thing you have to decide, Jackie, and not just for you alone.

It's a big thing for the whole colored people.

>> I know, that's why I came to you for help.

>> A great deal depends upon you, Jackie.

What kind of a man you are.

I suppose upon what kind of a ball player you are too.

>> Well, I don't know what kind of a man I am, Reverend, but I think I'm a pretty good ballplayer.

>> That might help.

Yes, it might help a great deal.

(tense music) (soft music) >> It's wonderful to see you, especially when I had almost given you up.

>> I should have written often but you know how it is, you keep waiting for good news, something worth writing about, and then when this big chance came I didn't want to tell you about it.

I wanted to be sure I had the contract signed and everything.

>> You know, sometimes when you wait for real good news, you wait forever.

>> I guess so.

>> I don't want to wait forever.

>> Look, let's sit a minute, let's talk it over.

It's gonna be real tough for awhile.

A lot of people don't want a Negro in baseball.

>> I know.

>> As soon as I make it stick, I'll come for you, we'll get married?

>> No, not after.

Now, before you start.

>> I can't let you do that, Rae.

I've gotta go south for spring training.

I'll have to face that, it might not be easy.

>> It'll be easy if we face it together.

>> Won't be any picnic.

You marry me now and you're asking for trouble.

>> All right, Jackie, I'll ask for it.

(wedding music) >> Announcer: Daytona Beach, next stop.

>> Are you Jackie Robinson?

>> Yes I am and this is my wife.

>> Glad to know you.

My name's Gaines.

I'm an attorney here.

Mr. Rickey asked me if I could help arrange accommodations for you.

>> He did?

>> Sent a man down about a month ago to look up a place for you to stay.

I won.

>> That's very nice of you, Mr. Gaines.

>> Oh, not at all, we're proud to have you.

Your bags will be in the check room, my car is right out front.

>> Hey Robinson, we'd like to ask you a few questions.

>> Do you think there's gonna be any trouble?

>> He means trouble with the other players.

>> Trouble?

The only trouble I'm worried about is ground balls to my right.

>> Do you think you're good enough to make the Dodgers?

>> Don't know if I make Montreal.

Better concentrate on that first.

>> What are you gonna do if a pitcher throws the dust at your head?

>> Same as you'd do, duck.

>> What are you sportswriters doing up at this hour of the morning, walking in your sleep?

>> We thought we'd take a look at your new ball player, Clay.

>> Take a look at him playing ball, not flapping his mouth with you guys.

Alright Robinson, get out there, throw a few, loosen up your arm.

>> Yes, Mr. Hopper.

>> Mr. Hopper, do you think baseball will accept a colored second baseman?

>> First let's see if I will.

>> Can I have one?

>> You want me to take the first one, Mr. Hopper, or shall I hit away?

>> Use your own judgment, shorty, how's that high elbow coming?

Keep you from hitting under the ball?

>> Don't seem to work out like it should, Mr. Hopper.

Of course, I don't pop to the infield anymore.

I just fly to center field.

>> Shorty's got a problem, he's built too close to the ground.

>> But I got a new idea, Mr. Hopper, when I take the bat back, I'm going to hold it up like this, that way I ought to get contact a half inch higher.

>> Umpire: Batter up.

>> That's me.

I ought to hit right on the line now, you watch.

(playful music) (bat cracking) >> Umpire: You're outta there!

(shouting) >> Man: That a boy, come on!

>> Umpire: Out!

>> All right, let's get this guy out of here.

>> Umpire: Ball!

(catcher mumbling) >> All right, Eddie.

>> Now if he can hit like that too.

(chattering) You get that?

>> I got it.

>> All right hey, this guy's got a hold of that bat.

Let's get him out of here.

>> Strike one.

>> Man: All right, Jackie!

>> He's out!

No other human being could have made that play.

>> Mr. Rickey, do you really think he is a human being?

(dramatic music) >> I think Jackie's gonna like these.

>> Knitting, knitting, seems like that's all you ever do, Mrs. Robinson.

Why don't you walk downtown once in a while or maybe take a ride to the beach?

>> I'm afraid to.

>> Afraid, no one's gonna hurt you here.

>> Not so sure.

The last time I took the bus I heard some white men talking about Jackie, about what they'd do if a colored man tried to play on this city's team.

>> Oh you know, they talk big, but they don't usually mean it.

>> Maybe they don't usually.

Sometimes they do.

And some of the things they say gave me cold chills.

(upbeat music) >> Mr. Rickey, look at this.

(dramatic music) >> Back in the bus, boys.

Back in the bus.

Come on, Jackie, we don't want trouble.

>> I'm the cause of trouble, Mr. Rickey, maybe you'd like to call it off.

Maybe you'd rather I went back to the Panthers.

>> Not on your life.

We started this together, boy, and we'll finish together.

We'll complete the training season and you'll completed with us, come on.

>> And ladies and gentlemen, believe me, it should be the best welterweight battle in the past 10 years.

And sports fans, all is not so quiet on the baseball front as officials would have us believe.

While there are no known organized movements against Montreal's Jackie Robinson, it is the fact that some cities are expressing pretty strong sentiments.

So strong, in fact, that I hear the International League President Shaughnessy will make a significant visit to the Brooklyn Dodger office in the immediate future, perhaps tomorrow.

And now to answer some mail as time allows.

>> Branch, I've got to talk to you.

>> Well, go ahead and talk.

>> Branch, the season opens in Jersey City tomorrow.

>> Oh, I'm glad you told me.

>> And this is your last chance to avoid a big mistake.

>> Now I suppose you let me decide that.

>> You will break up the whole International League playing that colored boy.

I've had letters, phone calls, I've even polled all the sports writers.

>> What do the sports writers have to say?

>> Jim Flanagan thinks you're even hurting the Negroes.

This will stir up a lot of trouble.

There'll be black and white fights about it all over the country and you'll be sorry you ever started it.

>> Frank, I've spent my whole life in baseball and I've always been proud of that because I've always thought baseball was a fine game, a clean game.

I've always thought it had a good influence on the American people, on the kids growing up.

I've always thought baseball taught fair play and sportsmanship.

But if what you say is true then I've been all wrong, my whole life's been wrong, wasted.

Tell you what I'll do with you.

I'll go out to Jersey City with you tomorrow and we'll sit in the front box.

And if anybody has got any rocks to throw, they can throw them at me.

(soft music) >> Are you nervous?

>> A little, maybe.

But I won't be when we get on the field.

>> Another hour and you'll begin.

Would you rather I didn't go?

>> No, you might as well come to the game.

If I'm gonna fall on my face, it might as well be in front of you too.

>> You won't fall down, darling.

>> I won't try and do it.

You think I can run?

Wait till you see me run this afternoon.

I can't break in with just a scratch hit and a fielder's choice.

I've gotta set them on air.

I've got to be the best ball player they've ever seen anywhere.

>> That's the spirit.

(chattering) >> And that's a fact, ladies and gentlemen, 25,000 people are here to see baseball history made today at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City for this, the opening of the 1946 International League season.

Even though the ball game has started, excited fans are still crowding into this huge concrete horseshoe.

It's a holiday throng, eager and expectant, but with one thing in mind, what will the highly publicized Jackie Robinson do today?

Will organized baseball's first Negro player make good or will he fail.

You fans out there, what do you think?

(bat cracking) (crowd booing) >> Well, I guess he's got the jitters.

>> Anybody can make an error.

>> That was an awfully easy chance.

>> Well, as the poet said to err is human and Jackie Robinson proved himself indeed a mortal man in the first inning by booting that easy play permitting Jersey city's first run, but the game is young, fans, and so is Jackie.

>> Strike!

>> Jackie.

You're up next, get on deck.

>> Yes sir.

(crowd booing) >> Play ball!

>> And now here's the moment everyone's been waiting for.

This big crowd is silent and tense as Jackie stands there at the plate.

Right handed batter, you know, stands well back in the box, feet wide apart, very good form and every eye in this stadium is on that boy.

Anxious, as Jackie stands there waiting for that first pitch.

>> Strike!

>> Safe!

Safe!

Safe!

>> Jackie, right here.

>> Umpire: Strike one.

(shouting) >> Balk!

>> Balk!

>> Come on in.

>> Go in, Robinson.

>> Man: Alright here we go, come on.

>> Umpire: Strike.

Strike.

(bat cracking) >> Yes sir, folks, it's a historic day, but a sad one for Jersey.

There's two out in the ninth and the score is 14 to one with a single Jersey City put out left.

There it goes, it's a hard pounder to Robinson's left.

It'll be close.

But he stops it.

Jackie throws to first for the out and the ballgame is over.

What a memorable day, especially for Jackie Robinson, and for the president of the Brooklyn Dodgers Branch Rickey.

>> That's the greatest first day any ballplayer has ever had.

Man, oh man, four hits including a homer, two stolen bases and scored twice on balks.

>> Yes, he played a great game but-- >> Oh, that's the trouble with you, Frank, there you go butting again.

>> No, but you know where Montreal is playing next week, Branch, and they don't like colored people there.

Here, look at this.

The sports editor of the morning paper sent it to me.

(dramatic music) >> Robinson.

Get out there, Robbie.

(crowd booing) (tense music) >> Let's go darling, quick.

>> What's the matter?

>> Where are you going, black boy?

>> Don't run away, black boy, we're the welcoming committee.

>> You'd better get out of here.

>> No Jackie.

>> Go on, it just makes it tougher having you here.

>> We want to have a talk with you.

>> We don't want you in this town, see.

>> Branch: No matter what happens on the ball field you can't fight back.

That's gonna be the hard part, you can't fight back.

>> You better not play tomorrow, get me?

Get me?

>> Having any trouble, Jackie?

>> No, no trouble.

We'll just walk to the bus with you.

(mumbling) >> Nice game today, Jackie.

>> Thanks, thanks a lot.

>> Shorty.

>> Yes, Mr. Hopper?

>> Got a present for you.

>> Present?

>> Yeah here, just what you need.

>> Gee, Mr. Hopper, that's awful nice of you.

New pair of shoes.

>> Elevated shoes.

And an inch to you, keep you from getting under the ball.

>> Say that's wonderful, that's a great idea.

Thanks a lot, Mr. Hopper, sure hope they'll work.

(players laughing) >> Watch that, Shorty, remember you're an inch taller now.

>> Forgot all about it >> Umpire: Batter up!

>> That's me.

(playful music) >> Umpire: Play ball!

(bat cracking) >> You're out!

(chattering) >> Hey there, big boy.

What you all doing on a white man's field?

>> You better get your carcass out of there before you get rode out.

(laughing) >> Here's a pal of yours, Jackie.

Why don't you take him along, he wants to get into baseball too.

(dramatic music) >> Hey Jackie, gimme a shine!

>> Hey Sambo, do you want to wash your dirty hair?

>> Hey liver lips, show us them pearly teeth.

>> Hey Jackie, where'd you get that?

(cheering) >> We'll exercise our option on Klauber right, write Klauber in.

And that's all.

>> And that's all?

>> Good, that's fine.

Then Robinson stays in Montreal.

>> For the time being.

Brooklyn and Montreal will train together in Panama.

We'll have plenty of chance to see everybody.

>> Well, you do what you think best, Branch, but I'll tell you this, we've had record attendance all over our league this year and if there's any possible way of leaving Robinson in Montreal another season.

>> Well I think maybe we might.

Boy like that oughta play every day.

And we've got Burwell at second base.

>> That's fine, Branch, that's wonderful.

All our fans want him.

>> Sometimes I think they're making too much out of an ordinary ballplayer, don't you think, Clay?

>> He led the league in hitting.

>> Minor League.

>> And we won in the Little World Series too.

>> Ooh, I'm not complaining, Clay.

It's just that I don't want to burden a fair ball player with the responsibilities of a Superman.

Of course, Jackie might hit big league pitching, but suppose he did come up.

How do we know that he could, well, that he wouldn't get out of hand.

How do we know-- >> Mr. Rickey.

Mr. Rickey, you don't have to worry none about that boy.

He is the greatest competitor I ever saw.

And what's more, he's a gentlemen.

>> Well, glad to hear it.

(chattering) >> Bring it right here, right to me.

Right in the face with it.

That's close, but not close enough.

Here it is, right here.

Right there, right down the middle.

That's close enough, contact.

>> You made up your mind on Robinson yet?

>> I think we let him stay in Montreal another year.

>> That's great with me, Mr. Rickey, but I think you're making a mistake.

>> We got Burwell on second, remember?

>> Burwell or no Burwell.

>> Besides, it'll cause trouble.

>> Trouble?

>> Man: Yeah, there's that petition, you know?

>> Petition, what petition?

>> Well, some of the boys-- >> Half a dozen of the old Brooklyn players have signed a petition, they don't want Robinson on your ball club.

>> They don't, huh?

Get a hold of the men that signed that petition and bring them to my room at eight o'clock tonight, do you understand?

>> Yes, sir.

>> And you call yourselves Americans?

Who's your leader?

Who started this?

Tony, you signed that petition.

You want to deny Robinson the right to play baseball?

>> I just don't want to be on the same team with him.

>> Were you born in the United States?

>> Yes, sir.

>> And your parents, where were they born?

>> My father was born in Italy.

>> And your mother.

>> She was born in Italy too.

>> They came to America before you were born?

>> Yeah.

>> And your father, where did he work at when he first came to this country?

>> On the railroad, he was a laborer.

>> Branch: Your mother, did she work too?

>> She worked in a shirt factory.

>> Your father was an immigrant laborer.

Did anybody get up a petition to keep him from working on the railroad?

>> Not that I know of.

>> Did anybody try to stop your mother from working in the shirt factory?

Your parents came to this country from Italy and were allowed to work as free people.

And yet you, a child and beneficiary of that freedom, want to deny the same opportunity to an American whose parents and grandparents and great grandparents have been in this country for 200 years, is that right?

How about you, Dolby?

Would you have the courage to strip to the waist and tell Robinson that to his face here behind closed doors, tell him to his face that he can't play on the same ball team with you, tell him you're not going to let him earn his living as a ballplayer?

Answer me, sir.

>> Mr. Rickey, I wasn't thinking, I didn't think.

>> And that, sir, explains why your teammates call you Iron Head.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Copper, you've been in baseball a long time.

Do you want to play on the Dodgers with Robinson?

>> No, sir, I don't.

>> Will do you play with Robinson?

>> I'd rather not, sir.

>> Would you like to have your contract transferred to another club?

>> Yes, sir, I would.

>> I may accommodate you, sir.

All right, men, I respect your right to petition, but I do question and I will fight any petition that denies any American the right to earn his living in the game that is supposed to represent the democratic principles of sportsmanship and fair play.

Do you understand me?

>> Yes, sir.

>> Yes, sir.

>> That's all for tonight.

Your suits are in your lockers.

There's a ballgame tomorrow.

I hope I'll see you there in uniform.

(chattering) Jackie!

>> Yes sir?

>> Jackie, Montreal is starting a 12 game series with the Dodgers.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Take this.

During that series I want you to play first base for Montreal.

>> First base, Mr. Rickey, I've never played first base.

>> We're protected at second base, Jackie.

We've got Burwell.

Brooklyn can use a good first basement.

>> Oh, I see.

>> Go out there and show 'em, run their legs off.

>> Yes, sir, I sure will.

>> Man: Take it, Jackie!

>> He's out!

>> Fine play.

>> Umpire: You're out!

>> Great play!

>> Yeah, but a little dangerous.

I think I'll move over to the Brooklyn side.

>> Vendor: Cold beer, 25.

>> Hey pal, give me a beer.

>> Yeah, me too.

>> Vendor: How many altogether?

>> Make it three.

>> I see you got a shine playing here this afternoon.

>> Not me, brother, I ain't got him, you got him.

>> I got him?

I don't even live here.

>> Where you from?

>> Brooklyn, I drive a truck down here once a week.

>> Well when you get back home tell Rickey that you spoke with a couple of friends of his nigger ballplayer.

>> Yeah, friends.

>> Don't tell me about it, I just don't like shiners.

>> Yeah?

That mean anything to ya?

>> No.

>> Oh, I thought you was one of the boys.

>> One of what boys?

>> Shut up, Spike.

>> Oh, what's the diff?

We got a little club kind of, branches all over the country.

>> Yeah, when they get uppity we kind of put 'em in their place.

(whistling) >> Look what's coming.

>> This seat is taken.

>> Sorry.

(men laughing) >> Hey, maybe you'd like to come with us after the game.

>> Shut up, Spike.

>> Where are you going after the ballgame?

>> A lodge at the side of the delegation.

>> Man: That's us.

>> You hadn't got to tell anybody.

>> Oh, this guy is all right.

>> Man: We're gonna corner Robinson as soon as the game is over.

>> We don't like them boys playing ball around here.

>> Man: Not in this town.

>> Karpen, you said you wanted to keep Robinson off the Brooklyn team, didn't you?

>> Yes sir.

>> Then why do you keep feeding him those big fat ones?

>> Fat ones, I ain't feeding him no fat ones.

>> No, then how'd he get three hits off ya?

>> Just lucky.

>> All right, Karpen.

He's up first in this inning.

If you still want to keep him off the Brooklyn team, I'll tell you how you can do it.

Strike him out.

>> Okay, watch me.

>> Play ball!

Ball one!

(intense music) >> He just keeps farting!

>> Hey farty, win this game and I'll give you a great big kiss!

What's the matter with you guys, you think I don't mean it?

>> Sit down!

Hey Robinson, (shouting).

>> Greetings from Ebbets Field.

They call it big league baseball, folks because you've got to be bigger and better to stay up here.

That's the problem confronting Jackie Robinson at this very minute as he goes to bat for the first time in a big league game.

Oh yes, I know he's done all right in training, I've seen the papers too, but that was only practice.

From now on, it's for keeps.

There's a little man upstairs in the press box who's known among other things as the official scorer.

He watches like a hawk, he marks down everything.

He'll make a mark for every move that Jackie Robinson makes, good or bad.

And not only the official scorer's eyes are on the Negro rookie, the whole world is waiting.

Everybody wants to know if Branch Rickey has made a mistake.

Will they be able to say I told you so?

Let's see.

(crowd booing) (bat cracking) >> Down, Jack!

>> Safe!

>> He made it, he got a triple!

>> So what.

>> What do you mean so what?

(man groaning) >> Ooh.

>> You'll lose your tightness in a few days, it's just nerves, that's all.

>> I just can't get on shifting my feet.

I missed the bag completely today in the third inning.

>> If they'd only let you play second base where you belong.

>> We've got Burwell at second base.

First is where they need me.

>> But if you can't get onto it, honey, and it worries you-- >> It's got me worried, alright, and it's got me where I'm not hitting either.

>> Anyhow, you're still the best base runner, they can't take that away from you.

>> Yeah, but you can't steal first, ow!

What have you got in those hands, steel springs?

>> They're nurse's hands, remember?

>> Well they better nurse me out of this slump or Mr. Rickey will be looking for a new boy.

>> Nah Jackie, don't wait till you to feel the bag under your foot.

Do it all in one motion.

>> I just can't seem to get the hang of it.

>> Try now.

>> That's worse.

>> Here, let me show you how.

You almost had it last time.

When you miss the bag you kick back for it like this.

Here, you try it.

That's the idea, all you have to do is practice now.

>> Why did he wanna do that?

If I can't make the grade at first base he'd have his old job back.

>> He's a team player, Jackie.

>> And the weather man apologizes for the recent rain.

Well let's get serious, folks.

They can't say that Branch Rickey hasn't given Jackie Robinson, a king sized opportunity in staying in big league baseball.

On that last road trip when the California boy wasn't hitting too well, some of the out of town sports writers said that Jackie should have been out of there.

He had a little trouble with first base, playing it and reaching it.

He just couldn't come up with that extra base hit.

Right now, I see Jackie stepping into the box.

>> All right, bring it in out there.

Here we go.

>> Ball!

(bat cracking) >> That a boy, Jackie!

>> What happened to you?

>> Well keep your fingers crossed, folks.

It may be that the rookie Jackie Robinson is a big league ball player after all.

He had us all worried, didn't he, going to the plate 19 straight times without a hit but the pendulum can swing both ways and it may be that Jackie has started on a hitting streak now.

In baseball, it's not a who or what you are, but can you play the game?

Jackie Robinson sure is playing.

(cheering) >> Well Dolby, he's hitting again.

>> Yeah, we might win the pennant now.

(cheering) >> Safe!

You're out of the game, Shelly.

>> He knocked me down!

>> Didn't you spike him sliding into second?

>> That was an accident!

>> It's always just an accident, all accidents.

>> Let's get out there.

>> Next time I get on base, watch out for a spike.

>> Go on, get off the field.

>> Maybe you better get Robinson off the field.

>> Yeah, get him off, get him out of here.

>> Anybody here looking for a little argument?

>> Yes, I am, you're out of the game too.

>> Me?

>> Yes, you.

>> Hey, what's the big idea?

(shouting) >> Come on, get out, play ball.

>> Man: Come on Jackie, come on, come on.

>> Hey Mike.

What's happened to my clothes?

>> I got them over here.

Come here, I'll show them to you.

Another locker for you.

>> Thanks.

(upbeat music) >> The Brooklyn Dodgers really are pouring it on now.

They're up at bat with one run behind in the ninth inning and Brooklyn hearts today have skipped more beats than absentminded policeman.

This boy set fire to the league since mid season, when he hit safely in 21 straight games, missing the league record by one.

He's laid down 42 successful bunts, a prodigious number.

>> He's a cinch to be voted the Rookie of the Year incidentally.

Now we've got a runner on second, the tying run and Jackie Robinson is at the plate.

He can't bunt now, he's go to hit straight away.

There are two out.

>> Watch your glove, huh?

>> Why don't you get up there and hit the ball?

>> Come on, Jackie boy, hit a homer!

>> Ball!

(bat cracking) >> Well the tying run scored on Jackie's base hit into center field, it's a new ballgame now with Jackie Robinson on second base representing the winning run.

The crowd here has gone mad.

>> Umpire: Safe!

>> Folks, the game is over and the Dodgers win the pennant.

And where's my aspirin.

>> That was my boy!

Did you see my Jackie do?

Aw, he's a good boy.

>> Jackie, congratulations.

>> Thank you, sir, same to you.

By the way, Mr. Rickey, there's something bothering me.

About that invitation to Washington, do you really think I should go?

>> Yes, Jackie, I do.

To Washington, to the Senate, to the House of Representatives, to the American people, you've earned the right to speak.

They want you to speak, about things on your mind, about a threat to peace that's on everybody's mind, Jackie.

Now you can fight back.

(inspiring music) >> I know that life in these United States can be mighty tough for people who are a little different from the majority.

I'm not fooled because I've had a chance open to very few Negro Americans.

But I do know that democracy works for those who are willing to fight for it and I'm sure it's worth defending.

I can't speak for any 50 million people.

No one person can.

But I'm certain that I and other Americans of many races and faiths have too much invested in our country's welfare to throw it away or to let it be taken from us.

>> Narrator: Yes, this is the Jackie Robinson story, but it is not his story alone, not his victory alone.

It is one that each of us shares, a story, a victory that can only happen in a country that is truly free, a country where every child has the opportunity to become president or play baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

(orchestral music)