About the Program
Jonathan Eig follows Jackie Robinson's first season in major league baseball which marked the integration of the game. The author contends that Robinson was not the best player in the Negro leagues nor had a great deal of experience playing baseball, he was a football and basketball star at UCLA. However, Mr. Eig argues that Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey chose Robinson as much for his attitude as his ability. The author also demystifies Robinson's interaction with his teammates and opponents throughout his first season; describing a hostile environment that allowed for few mistakes by the first baseman. Jackie Robinson signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers on October 30, 1945.