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Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season
A chronicle of the 1947 baseball season during which Jackie Robinson broke the race barrier is a sixtieth anniversary tribute based on interviews with Robinson's wife, daughter, and teammates that covers such topics as his relationship with fellow players, the St. Louis Cardinals' proposed boycott of the Dodgers, and Robinson's associate with segregated hotel roommate and sportswriter Wendell Smith. 125,000 first printing.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
68 people are currently reading
1743 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Eig
24 books630 followersJonathan Eig is the author of six books, four of them New York Times best sellers, as well as four books for children. He is a former reporter for The Wall Street Journal. His works have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
His most recent book is "King: A Life." His previous book, Ali: A Life," was the winner of the PEN Award and hailed as an "epic" by Joyce Carol Oates in her New York Times review.
His other books are: "Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig;" "Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season;" "Get Capone;" and "The Birth of the Pill."
Jonathan served as consulting producer on the Ken Burns PBS documentary on Muhammad Ali.
His most recent book is "King: A Life." His previous book, Ali: A Life," was the winner of the PEN Award and hailed as an "epic" by Joyce Carol Oates in her New York Times review.
His other books are: "Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig;" "Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season;" "Get Capone;" and "The Birth of the Pill."
Jonathan served as consulting producer on the Ken Burns PBS documentary on Muhammad Ali.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 13, 2019
The baseball hot stove season has arrived. With darkness setting in just after five where I live and a dusting of snow on the ground, I find myself pining for spring and the game I love most. This year (2019) marks the 100th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s birth on January 31, 1919. Major League Baseball pulled out all of the stops during the season honoring Jackie Robinson by renewing initiatives as well as establishing new legacies that cement Jackie’s place in baseball as well as American history. I admittedly can not get through Jackie Robinson Day each spring without getting goosebumps. Throughout the year, I have honored the occasion by reading more about civil rights than in years past and reading a memoir for young readers by Robinson’s daughter Sharon. Having read multiple biographies and watched countless movies and documentaries about Jackie, I nearly got through the calendar year without reading a book about him. Jackie Robinson is one of my top American heroes of the 20th century, so, when my baseball book club friend Mike sent me a biography that I hadn’t read yet, I was all to happy to read Opening Day by Jonathan Eig.
April 15, 1947. Jackie Robinson is set to become the first African American player in the major leagues. Signed by Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers at the end of the 1945 season, Robinson was primed to join the Dodgers at the start of the 1947 season and integrate baseball. To myself, reading in the 21st century, 1940s Brooklyn represents a wholesome time in American history, and I find it little wonder that I am repeatedly drawn to books centered in 1930s- early 1950s Brooklyn. Baseball was played primarily during the day and teams played in smaller stadiums located in cities rather than behemoths constructed in the suburbs. Yet, the post war years represented a time of change. Veterans had returned from fighting a war against a fascism ugly enough to place one race as superior to all others. African Americans fought in World War II, only to return home and face Jim Crow laws all over again and questioned why they were fighting discrimination abroad only to be treated like second class citizens at home. With television entering the equation in the late 1940s and early baby boom families about to flee to the suburbs, 1947 America marked the end of an era. Brooklyn as a melting pot of Irish, Italian, Jewish, Polish, African American, and other ethnic groups was ready for baseball to integrate. Brooklynites were also ready for the Dodgers to win the pennant.
Or so the story goes, Dodgers executive Branch Rickey selected Robinson to be the first not because he was the best African American player but because of his character. Growing up in Pasadena, California, Robinson had experience around whites. He lettered in four sports at UCLA and was a commissioned officer in the army. By 1945 he was also married to Rachel (née Isum) his fiancé of five years and desired to start a family. Rachel was ahead of her time in her own right, studying to become a successful psychiatric nurse and later became head of her department at Albert Einstein Medical Center after Jackie’s playing career was over. Rickey foresaw with the death of bigoted commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis that integration would be on the horizon. The Dodgers had been known as “dem bums” for years because they always finished near the bottom of the National League and had to wait for the next year. With a lineup full of African American players, Rickey believed that the Dodgers would win multiple pennants. Rickey told Robinson that for the first two years, even if it was contrary to his character, to have the courage to not fight back. If fans would utter racial slurs from the stands or pitchers would intentionally throw at Robinson or slide into him with their spikes, he would not fight back or it could potentially set back integration for at least a generation. Even though Robinson wanted to fight for what he believed was right, he heeded Rickey’s advice: for the first two years he would not retaliate.
In previous years I have read Robinson’s biography by Arnold Rampersad, which is excellent, and Robinson’s own autobiography I Never Had it Made. Both of these works detail Robinson’s entire life story, including his work as a businessman and civil rights activist following his playing career. Eig does mention Robinson’s later life in his epilogue, but this biography is a micro history of 1947. Fans came to Dodgers home games at Ebbets Field, as well as away games, in droves. Those who couldn’t attend watched on television or listened to Dodgers radio announcer Red Barber. African Americans dressed in their Sunday best to see Jackie and exhibited ethnic pride whenever he would get a hit or make a slick play in the field. He became the most well known African man in America, becoming more famous than boxing star Joe Louis. Louis even attended one of the Dodgers’ early games and posed for photographs with Robinson. And the Dodgers kept winning, keeping the fans excited and coming out to the ball games in record numbers. With his daring style of base running that kept opposing teams on their toes, Robinson was taking over leadership of the Dodgers and leading them toward that elusive pennant.
Off the field, however, the Robinsons kept to themselves. Jackie and Rachel rarely left their one room apartment and chose to stay home with their one year old son Jackie, Jr. Even though Robinson had made his presence felt on the field and in the locker room, he did not socialize with the other players away from the ball park nor did Rachel associate with their wives. Although Jackie was a hero to African Americans all over the nation, he had no peers on the Dodgers and lived a solitary life. It was not until Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe joined the Dodgers in subsequent years that Jackie could relax a little in the clubhouse and on road trips. In 1947, however, hotels barred Robinson from staying with the team, or, if they did admit him, he was barred from eating in restaurants and swimming in the pool. Robinson might have integrated baseball but not all people were happy about his presence, especially in southern cities of St Louis and Washington, D.C. Despite the overt racism, Robinson persevered. It, of course, helped a little that the Dodgers would be facing the Yankees in the 1947 classic subway World Series.
Jackie Robinson preceded the birth of the modern civil rights movement by ten years. Martin Luther King, Jr called him the original sit-in before the sit-in movement began. Jonathan Eig formulated his book through news clippings, interviews, and television footage. He was able to differentiate myths that have been retold through the years with accounts that actually happened. Eig places the baseball that occurred in 1947 within the larger context of the civil rights movement and changing American society. While not as in depth as the Rampersad biography, Opening Day is a quality micro history of 1947, Jackie Robinson’s first year on the Dodgers. Today, April 15 is celebrated throughout Major League Baseball as Jackie Robinson Day. Jackie and Rachel have been honored countless times and both are American heroes to generations of trailblazers from all walks of life. They should still be as revered on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s birth.
4.5 stars
April 15, 1947. Jackie Robinson is set to become the first African American player in the major leagues. Signed by Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers at the end of the 1945 season, Robinson was primed to join the Dodgers at the start of the 1947 season and integrate baseball. To myself, reading in the 21st century, 1940s Brooklyn represents a wholesome time in American history, and I find it little wonder that I am repeatedly drawn to books centered in 1930s- early 1950s Brooklyn. Baseball was played primarily during the day and teams played in smaller stadiums located in cities rather than behemoths constructed in the suburbs. Yet, the post war years represented a time of change. Veterans had returned from fighting a war against a fascism ugly enough to place one race as superior to all others. African Americans fought in World War II, only to return home and face Jim Crow laws all over again and questioned why they were fighting discrimination abroad only to be treated like second class citizens at home. With television entering the equation in the late 1940s and early baby boom families about to flee to the suburbs, 1947 America marked the end of an era. Brooklyn as a melting pot of Irish, Italian, Jewish, Polish, African American, and other ethnic groups was ready for baseball to integrate. Brooklynites were also ready for the Dodgers to win the pennant.
Or so the story goes, Dodgers executive Branch Rickey selected Robinson to be the first not because he was the best African American player but because of his character. Growing up in Pasadena, California, Robinson had experience around whites. He lettered in four sports at UCLA and was a commissioned officer in the army. By 1945 he was also married to Rachel (née Isum) his fiancé of five years and desired to start a family. Rachel was ahead of her time in her own right, studying to become a successful psychiatric nurse and later became head of her department at Albert Einstein Medical Center after Jackie’s playing career was over. Rickey foresaw with the death of bigoted commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis that integration would be on the horizon. The Dodgers had been known as “dem bums” for years because they always finished near the bottom of the National League and had to wait for the next year. With a lineup full of African American players, Rickey believed that the Dodgers would win multiple pennants. Rickey told Robinson that for the first two years, even if it was contrary to his character, to have the courage to not fight back. If fans would utter racial slurs from the stands or pitchers would intentionally throw at Robinson or slide into him with their spikes, he would not fight back or it could potentially set back integration for at least a generation. Even though Robinson wanted to fight for what he believed was right, he heeded Rickey’s advice: for the first two years he would not retaliate.
In previous years I have read Robinson’s biography by Arnold Rampersad, which is excellent, and Robinson’s own autobiography I Never Had it Made. Both of these works detail Robinson’s entire life story, including his work as a businessman and civil rights activist following his playing career. Eig does mention Robinson’s later life in his epilogue, but this biography is a micro history of 1947. Fans came to Dodgers home games at Ebbets Field, as well as away games, in droves. Those who couldn’t attend watched on television or listened to Dodgers radio announcer Red Barber. African Americans dressed in their Sunday best to see Jackie and exhibited ethnic pride whenever he would get a hit or make a slick play in the field. He became the most well known African man in America, becoming more famous than boxing star Joe Louis. Louis even attended one of the Dodgers’ early games and posed for photographs with Robinson. And the Dodgers kept winning, keeping the fans excited and coming out to the ball games in record numbers. With his daring style of base running that kept opposing teams on their toes, Robinson was taking over leadership of the Dodgers and leading them toward that elusive pennant.
Off the field, however, the Robinsons kept to themselves. Jackie and Rachel rarely left their one room apartment and chose to stay home with their one year old son Jackie, Jr. Even though Robinson had made his presence felt on the field and in the locker room, he did not socialize with the other players away from the ball park nor did Rachel associate with their wives. Although Jackie was a hero to African Americans all over the nation, he had no peers on the Dodgers and lived a solitary life. It was not until Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe joined the Dodgers in subsequent years that Jackie could relax a little in the clubhouse and on road trips. In 1947, however, hotels barred Robinson from staying with the team, or, if they did admit him, he was barred from eating in restaurants and swimming in the pool. Robinson might have integrated baseball but not all people were happy about his presence, especially in southern cities of St Louis and Washington, D.C. Despite the overt racism, Robinson persevered. It, of course, helped a little that the Dodgers would be facing the Yankees in the 1947 classic subway World Series.
Jackie Robinson preceded the birth of the modern civil rights movement by ten years. Martin Luther King, Jr called him the original sit-in before the sit-in movement began. Jonathan Eig formulated his book through news clippings, interviews, and television footage. He was able to differentiate myths that have been retold through the years with accounts that actually happened. Eig places the baseball that occurred in 1947 within the larger context of the civil rights movement and changing American society. While not as in depth as the Rampersad biography, Opening Day is a quality micro history of 1947, Jackie Robinson’s first year on the Dodgers. Today, April 15 is celebrated throughout Major League Baseball as Jackie Robinson Day. Jackie and Rachel have been honored countless times and both are American heroes to generations of trailblazers from all walks of life. They should still be as revered on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s birth.
4.5 stars
August 3, 2015
3.8 Stars
Reviewed for Kirkus when it came out: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Reviewed for Kirkus when it came out: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
February 17, 2015
I read this with my twelve-year-old son, partly because he loves baseball (and I wanted to introduce him to the merits of non-fiction), but also because as part of his homeschool curriculum we are studying the Civil War, its outcome, and its impact on American culture both then and today.
Though this book offers a lot of information about Jackie the man/player as it documents his first season playing with the Dodgers, this is as much a story about the integration of baseball as it is a straight recounting of his history-making debut in the major leagues.
In addition to this being well-written and nicely paced, the narrative seamlessly weaves some general baseball history, the game's segregation/integration, and Jackie Robinson's personal baseball story together in a book that any baseball fan can appreciate.
I recently read a book by the same author titled Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig (which I loved). Though this is a much different story, it still succeeds on many of the same levels for many of the same reasons. Eig succeeds in exploring both the complicated nature of racism and its impact on men, whether as victims or perpetrators, and telling a very exciting story of how one courageous man really did make a difference.
In a day and age where it's easy to dismiss professional athletes as overpaid celebrities who get paid obscene sums of money for hitting, throwing, or otherwise manipulating a ball, Opening Day illustrates how a "game" like baseball--while silly to some and certainly superficial on a grand scale of things--along with its players can impact a society and its people on a much deeper level than one might imagine.
Though this book offers a lot of information about Jackie the man/player as it documents his first season playing with the Dodgers, this is as much a story about the integration of baseball as it is a straight recounting of his history-making debut in the major leagues.
In addition to this being well-written and nicely paced, the narrative seamlessly weaves some general baseball history, the game's segregation/integration, and Jackie Robinson's personal baseball story together in a book that any baseball fan can appreciate.
I recently read a book by the same author titled Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig (which I loved). Though this is a much different story, it still succeeds on many of the same levels for many of the same reasons. Eig succeeds in exploring both the complicated nature of racism and its impact on men, whether as victims or perpetrators, and telling a very exciting story of how one courageous man really did make a difference.
In a day and age where it's easy to dismiss professional athletes as overpaid celebrities who get paid obscene sums of money for hitting, throwing, or otherwise manipulating a ball, Opening Day illustrates how a "game" like baseball--while silly to some and certainly superficial on a grand scale of things--along with its players can impact a society and its people on a much deeper level than one might imagine.
May 6, 2013
Eig's biography of Jack Roosevelt Robinson's first year as a Brooklyn Dodger is a scrupulously balanced account of an oft-told legend. Eig reseaches many of the stories told about Robinson's rookie season such as Pee Wee Reese's gesture of support for Robinson by giving Jackie a shoulder hug during a game when the opposing team cursed and jeered baseball's first modern black player. Eig is somewhat skeptical that it happened, if at all, as the stories about the hug claim.
Robinson is portrayed as a complex hero who felt very deeply hurt by prejudicial treatment, but chose to follow Brooklyn General Manager Branch Rickey's direction not to fight back when attacked. Instead Jackie chose to challenge his angry through his play. Eig demonstrates that it was Jackie's presence, particularly his speed and daring on the basepaths that enabled an otherwise average Dodger team to win the National League pennant in 1947.
I would recommend this book to baseball fans, social scientists, and history lovers for its honest portrayal of a game and a nation in the process of change.
Robinson is portrayed as a complex hero who felt very deeply hurt by prejudicial treatment, but chose to follow Brooklyn General Manager Branch Rickey's direction not to fight back when attacked. Instead Jackie chose to challenge his angry through his play. Eig demonstrates that it was Jackie's presence, particularly his speed and daring on the basepaths that enabled an otherwise average Dodger team to win the National League pennant in 1947.
I would recommend this book to baseball fans, social scientists, and history lovers for its honest portrayal of a game and a nation in the process of change.
December 21, 2017
When Jackie Robinson made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947 it marked a seismic shift in the culture of baseball and America. How Robinson and his Dodgers fared during that season is the subject of this wonderfully written book by Jonathan Eig. It not only talks about Robinson, but also about how his teammates and opponents reacted to the first African-American player in the major leagues.
In his typical style, Eig not only writes about the season, but also includes much background information that is pertinent to the story. The reader will learn about Robinson’s childhood, his meeting with Branch Rickey and the discussion they had when Rickey decided that Robinson would be the best man to break the color barrier, and also about some of the mythical stories that have been passed down through the generations.
There are two stories in particular that Eig questions the authenticity of the myths. One is the hug that Robinson supposedly received from teammate Pee Wee Resse. There are conflicting stories about whether this actually took place and Eig cites many sources that question this event. The other story that Eig addresses fairly is about Dodger Dixie Walker, who was a Southern man who allegedly was so upset about Robinson’s presence that he was calling for the other Dodgers to boycott the team and would not accept Robinson as a teammate. That myth is questioned as well and Eig comes to the conclusion that Walker and Robinson at least co-existed peacefully.
Those are just two examples of the complete, balanced and well-researched writing Eig displays throughout the book. There are also sections on other related topics, such as the opponents for the Dodgers in the 1947 World Series, the New York Yankees. Even their superstar, Joe DiMaggio, is covered in the book. There is even a humorous line about DiMaggio’s health issues that season, stating that DiMaggio “was a lot like many European nations at that time – frail and vulnerable.” Lines like this are occasionally placed in the book and keep it as a fun read as well.
A wonderful book on baseball and society in the 1940’s, “Opening Day” is recommended for all readers who are interested in Jackie Robinson, racial integration or baseball history.
http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...
In his typical style, Eig not only writes about the season, but also includes much background information that is pertinent to the story. The reader will learn about Robinson’s childhood, his meeting with Branch Rickey and the discussion they had when Rickey decided that Robinson would be the best man to break the color barrier, and also about some of the mythical stories that have been passed down through the generations.
There are two stories in particular that Eig questions the authenticity of the myths. One is the hug that Robinson supposedly received from teammate Pee Wee Resse. There are conflicting stories about whether this actually took place and Eig cites many sources that question this event. The other story that Eig addresses fairly is about Dodger Dixie Walker, who was a Southern man who allegedly was so upset about Robinson’s presence that he was calling for the other Dodgers to boycott the team and would not accept Robinson as a teammate. That myth is questioned as well and Eig comes to the conclusion that Walker and Robinson at least co-existed peacefully.
Those are just two examples of the complete, balanced and well-researched writing Eig displays throughout the book. There are also sections on other related topics, such as the opponents for the Dodgers in the 1947 World Series, the New York Yankees. Even their superstar, Joe DiMaggio, is covered in the book. There is even a humorous line about DiMaggio’s health issues that season, stating that DiMaggio “was a lot like many European nations at that time – frail and vulnerable.” Lines like this are occasionally placed in the book and keep it as a fun read as well.
A wonderful book on baseball and society in the 1940’s, “Opening Day” is recommended for all readers who are interested in Jackie Robinson, racial integration or baseball history.
http://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/201...
May 8, 2023
I think the this book is pretty good for what it is. I was really interested because the author also wrote a book on Lou Gehrig and that book was phenomenal. This book is focused solely on Robinson’s rookie season, with maybe 10% of the book focused on his childhood, baseball career before the Dodgers, and career after retirement. The accounts of his rookie season are based on fact—or as close as possible by following Wendell Smith’s columns at the time. It is very interesting to see what people were saying back then in the moment, but a lot of it is kind of canned journalistic-speak from back in the day. If you’ve seen the movie 42, that movie captures most of this book very well.
The best parts of the book are about the other black men who played in 1947—who we don’t hear about enough—and the stories of Dixie Walker (the man who was part of a protest against playing with Robinson at the beginning of the season) and Pee Wee Reese (who is often portrayed as being the most welcoming white Dodger).
The best parts of the book are about the other black men who played in 1947—who we don’t hear about enough—and the stories of Dixie Walker (the man who was part of a protest against playing with Robinson at the beginning of the season) and Pee Wee Reese (who is often portrayed as being the most welcoming white Dodger).
September 2, 2007
This was the first book that I had ever read about Jackie Roosevelt Robinson or about the integration of major league baseball. I found this book to be very well-written and a very interesting read.
The author mixed in the the major social and major political events of the day, including the vast number of changes that were occurring in the United States in the days immediately following World War II and just prior to the Korean Conflict. By doing this he was providing the reader with a broad background with which to set the story of the integration of baseball.
The author also had lots of information about baseball of that era, including the demise of the Negro Leagues, hastened by (the Dodger General Manager) Branch Rickey's daring experiment and Jackie Robinson's skill and determined play. There was also considerable information about major league baseball in the city of New York at that time, including the character of the teams (Giants, Yankees and Dodgers) as influenced by their respective neighborhoods (Harlem, Bronx and Brooklyn).
As this is ultimately a book about baseball, it also had a number of interesting stories about the players of this time, the youngest of which were still playing when I was old enough to start paying attention to the game, in the early 1960's. From his descriptions, it seems to me that even the best teams of that time still had some considerable talent shortages, just as teams do now.
But mostly it is a book about Jackie Robinson the person and about his first season: his trials at the hands of Southern born and bred baseball men, his tremendous skill on the baseball diamond, and what is was like for his family. I was also happy to read something of the rest of his life after his first season, in and out of baseball, championing civil rights, trying to maintain a conservative political outlook. He was a complicated, courageous and interesting personality, who worked hard to secure the best interests of his family and his race.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in baseball and/or in post-war U.S. History.
The author mixed in the the major social and major political events of the day, including the vast number of changes that were occurring in the United States in the days immediately following World War II and just prior to the Korean Conflict. By doing this he was providing the reader with a broad background with which to set the story of the integration of baseball.
The author also had lots of information about baseball of that era, including the demise of the Negro Leagues, hastened by (the Dodger General Manager) Branch Rickey's daring experiment and Jackie Robinson's skill and determined play. There was also considerable information about major league baseball in the city of New York at that time, including the character of the teams (Giants, Yankees and Dodgers) as influenced by their respective neighborhoods (Harlem, Bronx and Brooklyn).
As this is ultimately a book about baseball, it also had a number of interesting stories about the players of this time, the youngest of which were still playing when I was old enough to start paying attention to the game, in the early 1960's. From his descriptions, it seems to me that even the best teams of that time still had some considerable talent shortages, just as teams do now.
But mostly it is a book about Jackie Robinson the person and about his first season: his trials at the hands of Southern born and bred baseball men, his tremendous skill on the baseball diamond, and what is was like for his family. I was also happy to read something of the rest of his life after his first season, in and out of baseball, championing civil rights, trying to maintain a conservative political outlook. He was a complicated, courageous and interesting personality, who worked hard to secure the best interests of his family and his race.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in baseball and/or in post-war U.S. History.
July 22, 2018
Eig is an exceptional writer of history. He provides a readable, compelling narrative of events and characters with minimal insertion of himself or his opinions into the work. He doesn’t belabor needless details either (a cumbersome habit of many historians). As a take of Robinson’s first season in MLB, breaking the color barrier, this is a fine work. It’s limited in scope which helps focus the story but blunts the impact just a little.
May 22, 2025
Audiobook. I read this because my daughter is working her hero project about Jackie Robinson. We both learned so much, and it was an excellent starting point for some important conversations.
September 7, 2018
During the 60th anniversary celebration of Jackie Robinson’s major league debut, his widow, Rachel, was presented the game’s Historic Achievement Award by Commissioner Bud Selig for her own contributions to the sport.
She has carried on her late husband’s belief that, "A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives." Having founded the Jackie Robinson Foundation in 1973, a year after her husband’s death at age 53, Rachel Robinson has seen more than $10 million in scholarships awarded to minority students.
Accepting the award, Mrs. Robinson said, "I was brought up in baseball in my adult life, and I’m very identified with the game and very proud with what we’ve done with the game."
On April 15, 1947, when Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first African-American player in the major leagues, neither he or Rachel could have been sure that the game of baseball would become a lasting part of their lives.
As chronicled in Jonathan Eig’s carefully-researched Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson’s First Season, 1947 was a thrilling but uncertain time for the Robinsons and other African Americans. Eig writes, "It was unclear if black Americans were on the brink of great gains or terrible troubles, but they were clearly on the brink."
Eig says that he tried not to imagine what Robinson experienced in 1947 but "worked at every turn to present verifiable facts." His interview subjects include Rachel Robinson (who allowed him access to a private scrapbook), numerous ballplayers of the era, writers, journalists, fans, and other observers of that historic season.
Noting that legend is often mistaken for fact where Robinson’s rookie season is concerned, Eig checked eyewitness accounts against newspaper reports of particular games. If doubt or contradiction exists regarding an occurrence from that season, he has been sure to point it out in Opening Day.
Watermelon pieces may not have been thrown at Robinson, and differing accounts make it difficult to know when, or in what city, teammate Pee Wee Reese placed his arm around Robinson to quiet a heckling crowd. But Eig verifies many other moments from the season. And while they may not all be powerful events on the surface, he recounts them in a textured and moving narrative that conveys both the personal experiences of Jackie and Rachel Robinson and the experience of the nation at large.
It might have appeared to white Americans that Robinson was being given a great opportunity in the major leagues. To him, it felt like his every action (large or small, on or off the field) was being scrutinized. He was on trial, and that feeling was shared by many of the African American fans who came to see him play during that first season.
Branch Rickey, the Dodgers’ owner who signed Robinson to a minor league contract in 1945, arranged a meeting with Brooklyn’s African American leaders to warn that the behavior of black fans could be the downfall of Robinson. As Eig points out, Rickey’s speech was "ill-mannered." But preachers and newspapers in the African American community relayed the message, calling on fans to be on their best behavior. The Amsterdam News in Harlem warned fans, "It will be well to remember that we are on the spot just as Jackie. We cannot afford to let him down!!!"
The New York Giants, National League rivals of the Dodgers, played their own home games at the Polo Grounds in Harlem. Opening Day reminds readers that Harlem became an early home to the civil rights
struggle around 1945. Leaders, activists, and entertainers had begun to call for the integration of white-owned businesses throughout New York City. World War II had ended, and black soldiers had fought for the sake of America. They deserved the opportunities that its democracy promised. Eig writes that the calls for equality that were rising from Harlem influenced Rickey’s signing of Robinson.
Meanwhile, in 1947, Rachel Robinson still had a difficult time finding a Manhattan cab driver who would stop and take her to Ebbets Field for opening day. At the stadium, her husband, who didn’t yet have a locker, dressed and hung his suit on a hook. Robinson later said that seeing his reflection in a clubhouse mirror wearing the Dodgers uniform made him feel like, "a stranger, or an uninvited guest."
After spending the first week of the season living in a hotel, the Robinsons and their infant son Jack, Jr. moved into a tiny, two-bedroom Brooklyn apartment where they shared a bathroom with the landlord. Eig’s narrative brings to life the strong bond between Jackie and Rachel Robinson and the support that she provided during her husband’s trying rookie season. A former UCLA nursing student, Rachel’s strength, intelligence, and compassion were obvious benefits to Jackie as they spent much of their time simply talking to one another in their small, windowless bedroom.
Outside the Robinson’s apartment, Brooklyn itself was changing. Robinson’s rookie season saw large crowd’s gather at Ebbets Field, the stands filled with both black and white fans. But as African American families were moving into Brooklyn, white families were heading toward the suburbs, namely on Long Island. The crowds at Ebbets Field didn’t last, and the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles ten years later, a city abundant with suburbs and automobiles. Eig writes, "Jackie Robinson packed Ebbets Field like never before, but his arrival signaled a cultural shift that foretold the destruction of Brooklyn’s lyrical little ballpark."
Beyond the personal and social perspectives, Opening Day provides a comprehensive recounting of what Robinson endured as a ballplayer. Vulgar cries from opposing dugouts. Threatened boycotts by white players. Not knowing where he stood with some of his own teammates.
And then there was the day-to-day roller coaster ride that makes up a baseball season. Slumps. Streaks. Injury. Worry of a demotion.
But above all, Robinson felt the constant and enormous pressure to succeed. Eig quotes Robinson on the great effort that he faced:
"There were times," he wrote, "…when deep depression and speculation as to whether it was all worthwhile would seize me."
Robinson, of course, did succeed and was named rookie of the year in 1947. For his career, he was a six-time All Star, National League MVP in 1949, and a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee in 1962.
It’s hard to imagine Jackie Robinson not being identified with the game of baseball. But in Jonathan Eig’s wonderful recounting of that first season, it’s clear that Robinson overcame a degree of pressure Agen Judi that no other player had ever experienced. Baseball wasn’t his first love, not even when it came to sports. He had excelled at track and field, football, and basketball at UCLA. But he was a strong and determined man with a strong and determined partner in Rachel Robinson, and baseball was merely an avenue that these two people traveled in order to touch many other lives.
She has carried on her late husband’s belief that, "A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives." Having founded the Jackie Robinson Foundation in 1973, a year after her husband’s death at age 53, Rachel Robinson has seen more than $10 million in scholarships awarded to minority students.
Accepting the award, Mrs. Robinson said, "I was brought up in baseball in my adult life, and I’m very identified with the game and very proud with what we’ve done with the game."
On April 15, 1947, when Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first African-American player in the major leagues, neither he or Rachel could have been sure that the game of baseball would become a lasting part of their lives.
As chronicled in Jonathan Eig’s carefully-researched Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson’s First Season, 1947 was a thrilling but uncertain time for the Robinsons and other African Americans. Eig writes, "It was unclear if black Americans were on the brink of great gains or terrible troubles, but they were clearly on the brink."
Eig says that he tried not to imagine what Robinson experienced in 1947 but "worked at every turn to present verifiable facts." His interview subjects include Rachel Robinson (who allowed him access to a private scrapbook), numerous ballplayers of the era, writers, journalists, fans, and other observers of that historic season.
Noting that legend is often mistaken for fact where Robinson’s rookie season is concerned, Eig checked eyewitness accounts against newspaper reports of particular games. If doubt or contradiction exists regarding an occurrence from that season, he has been sure to point it out in Opening Day.
Watermelon pieces may not have been thrown at Robinson, and differing accounts make it difficult to know when, or in what city, teammate Pee Wee Reese placed his arm around Robinson to quiet a heckling crowd. But Eig verifies many other moments from the season. And while they may not all be powerful events on the surface, he recounts them in a textured and moving narrative that conveys both the personal experiences of Jackie and Rachel Robinson and the experience of the nation at large.
It might have appeared to white Americans that Robinson was being given a great opportunity in the major leagues. To him, it felt like his every action (large or small, on or off the field) was being scrutinized. He was on trial, and that feeling was shared by many of the African American fans who came to see him play during that first season.
Branch Rickey, the Dodgers’ owner who signed Robinson to a minor league contract in 1945, arranged a meeting with Brooklyn’s African American leaders to warn that the behavior of black fans could be the downfall of Robinson. As Eig points out, Rickey’s speech was "ill-mannered." But preachers and newspapers in the African American community relayed the message, calling on fans to be on their best behavior. The Amsterdam News in Harlem warned fans, "It will be well to remember that we are on the spot just as Jackie. We cannot afford to let him down!!!"
The New York Giants, National League rivals of the Dodgers, played their own home games at the Polo Grounds in Harlem. Opening Day reminds readers that Harlem became an early home to the civil rights
struggle around 1945. Leaders, activists, and entertainers had begun to call for the integration of white-owned businesses throughout New York City. World War II had ended, and black soldiers had fought for the sake of America. They deserved the opportunities that its democracy promised. Eig writes that the calls for equality that were rising from Harlem influenced Rickey’s signing of Robinson.
Meanwhile, in 1947, Rachel Robinson still had a difficult time finding a Manhattan cab driver who would stop and take her to Ebbets Field for opening day. At the stadium, her husband, who didn’t yet have a locker, dressed and hung his suit on a hook. Robinson later said that seeing his reflection in a clubhouse mirror wearing the Dodgers uniform made him feel like, "a stranger, or an uninvited guest."
After spending the first week of the season living in a hotel, the Robinsons and their infant son Jack, Jr. moved into a tiny, two-bedroom Brooklyn apartment where they shared a bathroom with the landlord. Eig’s narrative brings to life the strong bond between Jackie and Rachel Robinson and the support that she provided during her husband’s trying rookie season. A former UCLA nursing student, Rachel’s strength, intelligence, and compassion were obvious benefits to Jackie as they spent much of their time simply talking to one another in their small, windowless bedroom.
Outside the Robinson’s apartment, Brooklyn itself was changing. Robinson’s rookie season saw large crowd’s gather at Ebbets Field, the stands filled with both black and white fans. But as African American families were moving into Brooklyn, white families were heading toward the suburbs, namely on Long Island. The crowds at Ebbets Field didn’t last, and the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles ten years later, a city abundant with suburbs and automobiles. Eig writes, "Jackie Robinson packed Ebbets Field like never before, but his arrival signaled a cultural shift that foretold the destruction of Brooklyn’s lyrical little ballpark."
Beyond the personal and social perspectives, Opening Day provides a comprehensive recounting of what Robinson endured as a ballplayer. Vulgar cries from opposing dugouts. Threatened boycotts by white players. Not knowing where he stood with some of his own teammates.
And then there was the day-to-day roller coaster ride that makes up a baseball season. Slumps. Streaks. Injury. Worry of a demotion.
But above all, Robinson felt the constant and enormous pressure to succeed. Eig quotes Robinson on the great effort that he faced:
"There were times," he wrote, "…when deep depression and speculation as to whether it was all worthwhile would seize me."
Robinson, of course, did succeed and was named rookie of the year in 1947. For his career, he was a six-time All Star, National League MVP in 1949, and a National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee in 1962.
It’s hard to imagine Jackie Robinson not being identified with the game of baseball. But in Jonathan Eig’s wonderful recounting of that first season, it’s clear that Robinson overcame a degree of pressure Agen Judi that no other player had ever experienced. Baseball wasn’t his first love, not even when it came to sports. He had excelled at track and field, football, and basketball at UCLA. But he was a strong and determined man with a strong and determined partner in Rachel Robinson, and baseball was merely an avenue that these two people traveled in order to touch many other lives.
Read
May 5, 2015 This book is very good. It can be an interesting topic to a baseball fan. Or in the fact that you like to understand Jackie Robinsons story. It tells how he made his spot in history and how he made it in the league. The book might get a little bad at times, but it is a true story that will get you hooked from the first page. According to writing style, I would say that the author needs to make his pages shorter and then just make the book longer, because in my opinion, I get more into a book if the pages have fewer words, but the book has enough information that it does not matter what the page type, you will be in it. And for being a story, the book is not suspenseful, but it is very action packed just for who Robinson was. It was never an easy road for him. The only thing that you may not be able to do, though, is be able to connect with a character. That being, the time we are in now does not have to go through the things that Jackie did. You will be able to connect with him maybe, if you love the sport as much as he did.
July 30, 2011
Not nearly as good as Eig's book on Lou Gehrig, but still OK. Relied too much on newspaper clippings from 1947, piecing them together without really getting into the heart of the story. Spent a lot of time debunking Robinson myths, claiming that according to newspaper reports, certain things never happened. Further research would have shown that some events, such as Pee Wee Reese putting his arm on Robinson's shoulder, happened in later years, and that some events that were recalled in later years by participants may not have been deemed significant enough to warrant inclusion in the news of the day. All in all, a decent book, but I would read Jules Tygiel's book if I wanted a true sense of the Robinson story.
September 9, 2009
The positives were the same as the negatives for me.
It's very impartial and dispels some of the "legends" that surround Robinson's career. But at the same time, it comes across as somewhat distant and removed. It's almost too factual and, well, it's kind of a vanilla read.
A solid thumbs up for unbiased reporting on Jackie's first season as well as how it affected other people's lives that year. But a thumbs down for not being something I really enjoyed reading.
I'll still check out Eig's book on Lou Gehrig in the future, however.
It's very impartial and dispels some of the "legends" that surround Robinson's career. But at the same time, it comes across as somewhat distant and removed. It's almost too factual and, well, it's kind of a vanilla read.
A solid thumbs up for unbiased reporting on Jackie's first season as well as how it affected other people's lives that year. But a thumbs down for not being something I really enjoyed reading.
I'll still check out Eig's book on Lou Gehrig in the future, however.
April 20, 2022
Read for the third time in 2022, originally bought in 2007. One of the most important stories of all time - Jackie Robinson's first season as a Dodger in 1947. Author Jonathan Eig not only discusses Robinson's trials and tribulations, but also what was going on everywhere else, from the locker room to the rest of the nation. Good stuff, well written and very powerful.
April 6, 2017
This was an easy read mostly about Jackie Robinson's first season with the Dodgers. Eig gives details about the games and big moments in Robinson's career, as well as how this affected his personal life and the lives of those he loved. This book would appeal both to fans of baseball, and people interested in history and the Civil Rights movement.
September 15, 2016
A good book. I like the honesty of what lead to Jackie being brought up and the reality of his first few years.
April 25, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: APRIL 15TH, 1947… A WONDERFUL DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY!
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I am a born and raised Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodger fan. In fact my family moved from New York to Los Angeles the same year as the Dodgers. Before my brothers and I were born, my parents went to Ebbets field every weekend. I still have a box full of Brooklyn scorecards from those days. I was too young to see Jackie in his prime, but my Dad took me to some games in 1956 and I got to see Jackie and all the “Boys Of Summer”! I was a Brooklyn Dodger fanatic even at that age. Besides watching the Dodgers, I read everything available on them, and still do, 50 years later. I can unabashedly say I love Jackie Robinson. One of my many fond memories of my Dad, was him talking to me in front of our tiny black and white TV watching the Dodgers. He said “I have gone to hundreds of baseball games, and have seen 1,000 players, and the most exciting player I ever saw was Jackie Robinson!” “What Jackie did, was not displayed only in the statistics. Over the history of baseball, many players stole more bases. (Such as Ricky Henderson stealing bases with a 7 run lead in the 8th inning.) But no one unnerved every player on the team just by leading off the base and dancing on his pigeon toes, like Jackie. This book points out little, subtle, beneficial affects, on the whole Dodger team, that the average fan wouldn’t see. The pitcher and catcher would be so nervous with Jackie dancing around on the base paths, that they would be afraid to throw curve balls, so the batters got better pitches to hit. Jackie stole home more times, than just about anyone except Ty Cobb. When we moved to Los Angeles there was a program on called the “Million Dollar Theatre”, in which they showed the same movie on TV every day for a week. When the “Jackie Robinson Story” was on, I watched it every night, and literally memorized the dialogue. People forget that the Brooklyn Dodgers were the “original America’s team”. And that was because of Jackie. When Jackie broke the color line, he wasn’t only fighting for the blacks, but he also was fighting for the Jews, and every minority that has been suppressed. When I watch old sports shows, when they talk about Jackie, I actually get tears in my eyes, because I know what he went through. I've read just about every meaningful book on Jackie and the Brooklyn Dodgers. I would rate this
book as the 2nd best Jackie book of them all. (My personal favorite is “Great Time Coming”.) This book was interesting to me as compared to many others, because it not only zoomed in on his first year as a player, but also went deeper into his personal life during that first year. All the way to the size of a little room he and Rachel rented, along with their infant son. If you were to ask me, what, with all my knowledge, I have on Jackie’s playing, was the biggest thing I learned from this book, I would say his affect, and dominance, in every facet of the game, in a losing cause as a rookie in the 1947 World Series against the hated and despised Yankees. This is a great book and I recommend it to everyone. P.S. In my opinion Jackie was the greatest all around athlete since Jim Thorpe. A lot of people forget that Jackie was the first 4-sport letterman at UCLA. He was an All American football player, the top scorer on UCLA’s basketball team, a record setter in the long jump, and of course baseball, which was actually his weakest sport at that time. Duke Snider tells a story about when Duke was in high school in Compton California, and Jackie was playing for Pasadena City College (A junior college). Duke went to see Jackie play a baseball game. One inning Jackie hit a homerun, and then in his full baseball uniform, with spikes on, ran over to the track field between innings, won the broad jump, and ran back to the baseball field in time to play the next inning!
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I am a born and raised Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodger fan. In fact my family moved from New York to Los Angeles the same year as the Dodgers. Before my brothers and I were born, my parents went to Ebbets field every weekend. I still have a box full of Brooklyn scorecards from those days. I was too young to see Jackie in his prime, but my Dad took me to some games in 1956 and I got to see Jackie and all the “Boys Of Summer”! I was a Brooklyn Dodger fanatic even at that age. Besides watching the Dodgers, I read everything available on them, and still do, 50 years later. I can unabashedly say I love Jackie Robinson. One of my many fond memories of my Dad, was him talking to me in front of our tiny black and white TV watching the Dodgers. He said “I have gone to hundreds of baseball games, and have seen 1,000 players, and the most exciting player I ever saw was Jackie Robinson!” “What Jackie did, was not displayed only in the statistics. Over the history of baseball, many players stole more bases. (Such as Ricky Henderson stealing bases with a 7 run lead in the 8th inning.) But no one unnerved every player on the team just by leading off the base and dancing on his pigeon toes, like Jackie. This book points out little, subtle, beneficial affects, on the whole Dodger team, that the average fan wouldn’t see. The pitcher and catcher would be so nervous with Jackie dancing around on the base paths, that they would be afraid to throw curve balls, so the batters got better pitches to hit. Jackie stole home more times, than just about anyone except Ty Cobb. When we moved to Los Angeles there was a program on called the “Million Dollar Theatre”, in which they showed the same movie on TV every day for a week. When the “Jackie Robinson Story” was on, I watched it every night, and literally memorized the dialogue. People forget that the Brooklyn Dodgers were the “original America’s team”. And that was because of Jackie. When Jackie broke the color line, he wasn’t only fighting for the blacks, but he also was fighting for the Jews, and every minority that has been suppressed. When I watch old sports shows, when they talk about Jackie, I actually get tears in my eyes, because I know what he went through. I've read just about every meaningful book on Jackie and the Brooklyn Dodgers. I would rate this
book as the 2nd best Jackie book of them all. (My personal favorite is “Great Time Coming”.) This book was interesting to me as compared to many others, because it not only zoomed in on his first year as a player, but also went deeper into his personal life during that first year. All the way to the size of a little room he and Rachel rented, along with their infant son. If you were to ask me, what, with all my knowledge, I have on Jackie’s playing, was the biggest thing I learned from this book, I would say his affect, and dominance, in every facet of the game, in a losing cause as a rookie in the 1947 World Series against the hated and despised Yankees. This is a great book and I recommend it to everyone. P.S. In my opinion Jackie was the greatest all around athlete since Jim Thorpe. A lot of people forget that Jackie was the first 4-sport letterman at UCLA. He was an All American football player, the top scorer on UCLA’s basketball team, a record setter in the long jump, and of course baseball, which was actually his weakest sport at that time. Duke Snider tells a story about when Duke was in high school in Compton California, and Jackie was playing for Pasadena City College (A junior college). Duke went to see Jackie play a baseball game. One inning Jackie hit a homerun, and then in his full baseball uniform, with spikes on, ran over to the track field between innings, won the broad jump, and ran back to the baseball field in time to play the next inning!
March 8, 2021
When Jackie Robinson broke the color line in baseball in 1947, he embarked on what proved to be a lonely crusade. Not only was he the first Black man to play in the majors for over fifty years, he was the *only* Black man to play major league baseball for the first half of that season. What's more, his teammates, never having played with a Black player on a professional level, weren't exactly sure how to treat him, and few welcomed him with open arms. But in a season like no other, Robinson put together enough of an impact to open the door for future Black stars in baseball and other sports, and to earn his own place in American history.
"Opening Day" by Jonathan Eig recounts the turbulent 1947 season for Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers, whose owner Branch Rickey broke the color barrier as much for revenue as he did for the right reasons. Eig captures many of the personalities around the team, from southern-born announcer Red Barber and the infamous "leader of a clubhouse revolt" Dixie Walker to Robinson himself, who was told early that he would have to endure racist taunts without rising to his own defense (for a Black man to stand up for himself in 1947 would've meant the end of integration in sports, if not a lynch mob descending upon said Black man). Robinson was no "uncle Tom, as Eig shows: he had previously been let out of the Army due to a racial incident in which he refused to move to the back of a military bus on the orders of the driver, eleven years before Rosa Parks' similar protest in Birmingham. Robinson was angry at the way that America had treated him, but he could not, according to Rickey, show that anger or he would doom not only his own chances at a baseball career but the potential of millions of Black athletes to excel in their chosen sports.
Many legends abound about the season, from the notion that some players threatened a lockout of the season or individual games if Robinson played (Eig shows that, for the most part, these were urban legends spread after the fact, but few players actually welcomed Robinson to the sport), to Pee Wee Reese putting his arm around Robinson to stifle the hostile jeering of crowds (an event that likely did occur, just not in 1947). Eig is interested in showing how the reality of Robinson's situation was far more perilous than the legends would have it; there was no guarantee that Rickey would keep Robinson in the majors if his performance didn't live up to expectations (in a peculiar twist of fate, the struggles that Robinson had early on were eclipsed by the erratic playing of his new teammates, perhaps recovering from the hangover of almost winning the pennant in 1946). Other players on other teams didn't make Robinson's life easier, and the influx of Black fans to major league stadiums caused many in management to imagine the worst about stereotypical Black people in their stadiums (which in turn led many in the Black community to plead with their fellow baseball fans to play respectability politics by dressing nicer than nice and refraining from any behaviors that would cause white people to get upset). 1947 was way more complicated than the legends would have us believe, and Eig helps put the saga of that season into a larger perspective on the changes brought about by the Second World War and soon to be expanded by the nascent Civil Rights movement.
Like the greatest sports books, "Opening Day" is about more than sports. In this case, it's about the most important season in the history of sports, when a Black man stepped onto the field with white players and proved that he not only belonged but that many of his fellow Black people belonged as well. Jackie Robinson paid dearly for his status as the first, but as Eig recounts in his book, what Jackie achieved was well worth the struggle and sacrifice.
"Opening Day" by Jonathan Eig recounts the turbulent 1947 season for Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers, whose owner Branch Rickey broke the color barrier as much for revenue as he did for the right reasons. Eig captures many of the personalities around the team, from southern-born announcer Red Barber and the infamous "leader of a clubhouse revolt" Dixie Walker to Robinson himself, who was told early that he would have to endure racist taunts without rising to his own defense (for a Black man to stand up for himself in 1947 would've meant the end of integration in sports, if not a lynch mob descending upon said Black man). Robinson was no "uncle Tom, as Eig shows: he had previously been let out of the Army due to a racial incident in which he refused to move to the back of a military bus on the orders of the driver, eleven years before Rosa Parks' similar protest in Birmingham. Robinson was angry at the way that America had treated him, but he could not, according to Rickey, show that anger or he would doom not only his own chances at a baseball career but the potential of millions of Black athletes to excel in their chosen sports.
Many legends abound about the season, from the notion that some players threatened a lockout of the season or individual games if Robinson played (Eig shows that, for the most part, these were urban legends spread after the fact, but few players actually welcomed Robinson to the sport), to Pee Wee Reese putting his arm around Robinson to stifle the hostile jeering of crowds (an event that likely did occur, just not in 1947). Eig is interested in showing how the reality of Robinson's situation was far more perilous than the legends would have it; there was no guarantee that Rickey would keep Robinson in the majors if his performance didn't live up to expectations (in a peculiar twist of fate, the struggles that Robinson had early on were eclipsed by the erratic playing of his new teammates, perhaps recovering from the hangover of almost winning the pennant in 1946). Other players on other teams didn't make Robinson's life easier, and the influx of Black fans to major league stadiums caused many in management to imagine the worst about stereotypical Black people in their stadiums (which in turn led many in the Black community to plead with their fellow baseball fans to play respectability politics by dressing nicer than nice and refraining from any behaviors that would cause white people to get upset). 1947 was way more complicated than the legends would have us believe, and Eig helps put the saga of that season into a larger perspective on the changes brought about by the Second World War and soon to be expanded by the nascent Civil Rights movement.
Like the greatest sports books, "Opening Day" is about more than sports. In this case, it's about the most important season in the history of sports, when a Black man stepped onto the field with white players and proved that he not only belonged but that many of his fellow Black people belonged as well. Jackie Robinson paid dearly for his status as the first, but as Eig recounts in his book, what Jackie achieved was well worth the struggle and sacrifice.
April 15, 2025
"The test case represented by Jackie Robinson was one of towering importance to the country. Here was a chance for one person to prove the bigots and white supremacists wrong, and to say to the nation's fourteen million black Americans that the time had come for them to compete as equals. But it would happen only if a long list of "ifs" worked out just so: if the Brooklyn Dodgers gave Robinson the opportunity to play; if he played well; if he won the acceptance of teammates and fans; if no race riots erupted; if no one put a bullet through his head. The 'ifs' alone were enough to agitate a man's stomach. Then came the matter of Robinson himself. He perceived racism in every glare, every murmur, every called third strike. He was not the most talented black ballplayer in the country. He had a weak throwing arm and a creaky ankle. He had only one year of experience in the minor leagues, and, at twenty-eight, he was a little bit old for a first-year player. But he loved a fight. His greatest assets were tenacity and a knack for getting under an opponent's skin. He would slash a line drive to left field, run pigeon-toed down the line, take a big turn at first base, slam on the brakes, and skitter back to the bag. Then, as the pitcher prepared to go to work on the next batter, Robinson would take his lead from first base, bouncing on tiptoes like a dropped rubber ball, bouncing, bouncing, bouncing, taunting the pitcher, and daring everyone in the park to guess when he would take off running again. While other men made it a point to avoid danger on the base paths, Robinson put himself in harm's way every chance he got. His speed and guile broke down the game's natural order and left opponents cursing and hurling their gloves. When chaos erupted, that's when he knew he was at his best.
On that April 10 morning, as he rode the subway from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Robinson understood exactly what he was getting into. One prominent black journalist had written that the ballplayer had more power than Congress to help break the chains that bound the descendants of slavery to lives lived in inequity and despair. Before he'd even swung a bat in the big leagues, Robinson was being compared to Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, and Joe Louis, with some writers concluding that this man would do more for his people than any of the others. The time had come, they said, for black Americans to stake their claim to the justice and equal rights they so richly deserved, and now a baseball player had arrived to show them the way. Robinson absorbed the newspaper articles. He felt the weight on his shoulders and decided there was nothing to do but carry it as fast and as far as he could."
On that April 10 morning, as he rode the subway from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Robinson understood exactly what he was getting into. One prominent black journalist had written that the ballplayer had more power than Congress to help break the chains that bound the descendants of slavery to lives lived in inequity and despair. Before he'd even swung a bat in the big leagues, Robinson was being compared to Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, and Joe Louis, with some writers concluding that this man would do more for his people than any of the others. The time had come, they said, for black Americans to stake their claim to the justice and equal rights they so richly deserved, and now a baseball player had arrived to show them the way. Robinson absorbed the newspaper articles. He felt the weight on his shoulders and decided there was nothing to do but carry it as fast and as far as he could."
March 26, 2016
Jack Roosevelt Robinson born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919, the youngest of 5 children. While his mother proved an effective parental figure, his father severely lacked. His mother made the choice to leave Jack's father and move to Pasadena, California in an effort to shield her children from the evils of so many white people in the south during this time period.
Jack excelled at football and basketball, earning a scholarship to UCLA. His older brother competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and finished second after Jesse Owens. However, his fame was short-lived when he returned home to the color-torn US. Despite living in California, race was still and issue and an obstacle. Jack's brother ended up as a street sweeper, wearing his Olympic jacket while working.
Jack's athletic accomplishments were often documented by sports writers who nicknamed him, Jackie. In 1940 "Jack" met Rachel, his future wife. After 2 years at UCLA, Jack had used up his eligibility for football. He remained through basketball season, but due to his poor grades, he then dropped out. He then became an athletic director for a short time until he was drafted. His basic training occurred in Texas with numerous bigots and racists and with Jackie a ticking time bomb, it was only a matter of time before something erupted. A confrontation with a bus driver who accused Jackie of speaking to a white woman (although she was actually a light-skinned black woman) lead to a trial. Thankfully, Jackie was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Jackie then accepted a basketball coaching position from his pastor in California. Jackie's lack of patience with underperforming players often showed as he would take the place of such players in the lineup. While coaching he received an offer to play with the Kansas City Monarchs. While baseball had never been one of Jackie's favorite sports, the $400 a month salary was much more than his coaching salary. His time with the Monarchs proved personally difficult as the team was often denied access to hotels or restaurants based on color. He remained in touch with Rachel during this time, however, and longed for a reunion with her.
In New York, numerous groups were attempting to end racial division, including baseball big-wigs. Branch Rickey, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, was at the top of this list of supporters. His motivation may have also involved a financial twist, but in the end, the result was monumental. In their meeting, Rickey had Jackie agree that he must not react to the harsh realities soon to be encountered in their attempt to break the racial barrier in baseball. Rickey told Jackie he didn't want a man afraid to fight back, he wanted a man with the courage not to. Jackie was placed on the minor league roster for the Montreal Royals in 1946. He had by then married Rachel. The couple, both raised in California, were completely unprepared for the discrimination before them during their journey to Florida. During his successful first season, 2 of his UCLA football teammates and 2 others broke the racial barrier in professional football.
In 1947, Jackie joined the Dodgers, much to the displeasure of many of his southern-raised teammates. The team traveled to spring training in Cuba to avoid hostility in the states. 3 other black players also joined Jackie for training. While the rest of the team stayed at a fine establishment, Jackie and the others were housed in what could have been deemed as the ghetto, having to find places to eat. Jackie's stomach was somewhat intolerant of the food and so he had to attempt his best efforts on the field while ignoring the pains in his stomach. Jackie's teammate and former first baseman, Howie Schultz, assisted Jackie in his transition to first baseman.
The book continues to follow Jackie's struggles throughout his rookie season in 1947 both personal and professionally. During a slump early on in the season, Jackie questions his abilities and the choice of playing baseball. His teammates are still unaccepting and Jackie spends most of his time alone except when with Rachel and Jack Jr. in their home, basically a bedroom in a shared home.
Jackie finally emerges from his slump. He steals home. He has a spat with Cardinals catcher Joe Garigiola which plagues Joe for the rest of his life. A children's book was even written which makes mention of the situation and Joe's grandchildren confront him about it. Joe argues that he was merely being aggressive toward a competitor, it was not racial. Jackie is perhaps purposely injured as an opponent stepped on his foot (spiked him) at first. Jackie writes a weekly column using a ghostwriter, Wendell Smith. Wendell is a black journalist assigned to Jackie, traveling with him and often finding lodging and/or restaurants willing to accommodate Jackie. Despite the hardships, Jackie prevails and the Dodgers make it to the World Series against the Yankees.
While Jackie does well in the Series, the Dodgers lose. Yogi Berra begins to prove himself as a player. The attendance at the games is the highest ever as of yet for the World Series, although not necessarily because of black people. The ticket prices left most blacks out of the stadium. Televised coverage now has a place. Many changes have occurred over the course of the 1947 season, including the Dodgers acquisition of a black pitcher.
After the season Jackie attends numerous banquets and ceremonies. His demeanor does not bode well for him at these functions but he continues to attend when available and invited. He gains 30 pounds prior to the start of the 1948 season. He manages to lose most of the weight for the season but has lost a step. He continues with the Dodgers for 10 years with 6 successful seasons despite a lower pay than other players. After his retirement, Jackie becomes a manager for a plant with numerous black workers, in Connecticut. His weight balloons, he becomes diabetic and has a heart attack. After he attends a Dodger alumni function, a fan throws a ball to him which hits him in the head. He begins another autobiography within days writing that he feels he may not have done much to promote the equality of blacks, basically feeling his contribution was lackluster. The acknowledgment he receives also seems to send the same message, unfortunately. Jackie's achievement and courage was a true catalyst toward the civil rights movement despite comments made by leaders such as Malcolm X.
The end of Jackie's life was sad. His son, Jack Jr. had become involved with drugs and died at a young age. Jackie's health was deteriorating and the loss of his son may have aggravated his health even more. Shortly after his appearance at the Dodger event, Jackie succumbed to a heart attack.
In remembrance of the great sacrifice and accomplishment of Jackie, the number 42 is the only number within all of baseball to be retired. April 15th of each year is commemorated as Jackie Robinson Day. He has numerous spotlights at the Hall of Fame and is treasured by many today.
Jack excelled at football and basketball, earning a scholarship to UCLA. His older brother competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and finished second after Jesse Owens. However, his fame was short-lived when he returned home to the color-torn US. Despite living in California, race was still and issue and an obstacle. Jack's brother ended up as a street sweeper, wearing his Olympic jacket while working.
Jack's athletic accomplishments were often documented by sports writers who nicknamed him, Jackie. In 1940 "Jack" met Rachel, his future wife. After 2 years at UCLA, Jack had used up his eligibility for football. He remained through basketball season, but due to his poor grades, he then dropped out. He then became an athletic director for a short time until he was drafted. His basic training occurred in Texas with numerous bigots and racists and with Jackie a ticking time bomb, it was only a matter of time before something erupted. A confrontation with a bus driver who accused Jackie of speaking to a white woman (although she was actually a light-skinned black woman) lead to a trial. Thankfully, Jackie was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Jackie then accepted a basketball coaching position from his pastor in California. Jackie's lack of patience with underperforming players often showed as he would take the place of such players in the lineup. While coaching he received an offer to play with the Kansas City Monarchs. While baseball had never been one of Jackie's favorite sports, the $400 a month salary was much more than his coaching salary. His time with the Monarchs proved personally difficult as the team was often denied access to hotels or restaurants based on color. He remained in touch with Rachel during this time, however, and longed for a reunion with her.
In New York, numerous groups were attempting to end racial division, including baseball big-wigs. Branch Rickey, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, was at the top of this list of supporters. His motivation may have also involved a financial twist, but in the end, the result was monumental. In their meeting, Rickey had Jackie agree that he must not react to the harsh realities soon to be encountered in their attempt to break the racial barrier in baseball. Rickey told Jackie he didn't want a man afraid to fight back, he wanted a man with the courage not to. Jackie was placed on the minor league roster for the Montreal Royals in 1946. He had by then married Rachel. The couple, both raised in California, were completely unprepared for the discrimination before them during their journey to Florida. During his successful first season, 2 of his UCLA football teammates and 2 others broke the racial barrier in professional football.
In 1947, Jackie joined the Dodgers, much to the displeasure of many of his southern-raised teammates. The team traveled to spring training in Cuba to avoid hostility in the states. 3 other black players also joined Jackie for training. While the rest of the team stayed at a fine establishment, Jackie and the others were housed in what could have been deemed as the ghetto, having to find places to eat. Jackie's stomach was somewhat intolerant of the food and so he had to attempt his best efforts on the field while ignoring the pains in his stomach. Jackie's teammate and former first baseman, Howie Schultz, assisted Jackie in his transition to first baseman.
The book continues to follow Jackie's struggles throughout his rookie season in 1947 both personal and professionally. During a slump early on in the season, Jackie questions his abilities and the choice of playing baseball. His teammates are still unaccepting and Jackie spends most of his time alone except when with Rachel and Jack Jr. in their home, basically a bedroom in a shared home.
Jackie finally emerges from his slump. He steals home. He has a spat with Cardinals catcher Joe Garigiola which plagues Joe for the rest of his life. A children's book was even written which makes mention of the situation and Joe's grandchildren confront him about it. Joe argues that he was merely being aggressive toward a competitor, it was not racial. Jackie is perhaps purposely injured as an opponent stepped on his foot (spiked him) at first. Jackie writes a weekly column using a ghostwriter, Wendell Smith. Wendell is a black journalist assigned to Jackie, traveling with him and often finding lodging and/or restaurants willing to accommodate Jackie. Despite the hardships, Jackie prevails and the Dodgers make it to the World Series against the Yankees.
While Jackie does well in the Series, the Dodgers lose. Yogi Berra begins to prove himself as a player. The attendance at the games is the highest ever as of yet for the World Series, although not necessarily because of black people. The ticket prices left most blacks out of the stadium. Televised coverage now has a place. Many changes have occurred over the course of the 1947 season, including the Dodgers acquisition of a black pitcher.
After the season Jackie attends numerous banquets and ceremonies. His demeanor does not bode well for him at these functions but he continues to attend when available and invited. He gains 30 pounds prior to the start of the 1948 season. He manages to lose most of the weight for the season but has lost a step. He continues with the Dodgers for 10 years with 6 successful seasons despite a lower pay than other players. After his retirement, Jackie becomes a manager for a plant with numerous black workers, in Connecticut. His weight balloons, he becomes diabetic and has a heart attack. After he attends a Dodger alumni function, a fan throws a ball to him which hits him in the head. He begins another autobiography within days writing that he feels he may not have done much to promote the equality of blacks, basically feeling his contribution was lackluster. The acknowledgment he receives also seems to send the same message, unfortunately. Jackie's achievement and courage was a true catalyst toward the civil rights movement despite comments made by leaders such as Malcolm X.
The end of Jackie's life was sad. His son, Jack Jr. had become involved with drugs and died at a young age. Jackie's health was deteriorating and the loss of his son may have aggravated his health even more. Shortly after his appearance at the Dodger event, Jackie succumbed to a heart attack.
In remembrance of the great sacrifice and accomplishment of Jackie, the number 42 is the only number within all of baseball to be retired. April 15th of each year is commemorated as Jackie Robinson Day. He has numerous spotlights at the Hall of Fame and is treasured by many today.
July 20, 2023
A brilliant, highly detailed account of Jackie Robinson’s first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson stepped onto Ebbets Field field for the first time, the first black player to do so in the major leagues, breaking the color barrier, beginning the movement against segregation in the United States, and changing the course of history.
Despite facing unspeakable adversity, Robinson persevered. Though Robinson didn’t get a hit in his first regular-season game, his bunt in the seventh inning gave the Brooklyn faithful a preview of the type of baseball that Robinson would play. Robinson notched his first hit two days later, and his first home run on April 18th when the Dodgers faced the Giants, their crosstown rivals. By the end of his first season, he led the NL in stolen bases and finished second in runs scored. He eventually earned Rookie of the Year honors and came in fifth in MVP voting. After ten years in the majors, Robinson retired with a .313 batting average, 972 runs scored, 1,563 hits, and 200 stolen bases.
But it goes without saying that Robinson’s significance extends far beyond the diamond. In 1947, Robinson represented the hopes and dreams of all people of color, and played a significant role in helping our country heal from years of ignorance and hatred. “Jackie Robinson made my success possible,” said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Without him, I would never have been able to do what I did.”
Opening Day by Jonathan Eig is a beautifully written and incredibly well researched book about Robinson’s first season in the majors, but it goes far beyond just that first season. Eig shares Robinson’s history leading up to 1947, from his childhood, to his college and military days, to his time in the Negro Leagues. Drawing on interviews with players, writers, and eyewitnesses, as well as archival material, Eig presents a portrait of an intense competitor who embodied the promise of integration and helped launch the civil rights era.
Despite facing unspeakable adversity, Robinson persevered. Though Robinson didn’t get a hit in his first regular-season game, his bunt in the seventh inning gave the Brooklyn faithful a preview of the type of baseball that Robinson would play. Robinson notched his first hit two days later, and his first home run on April 18th when the Dodgers faced the Giants, their crosstown rivals. By the end of his first season, he led the NL in stolen bases and finished second in runs scored. He eventually earned Rookie of the Year honors and came in fifth in MVP voting. After ten years in the majors, Robinson retired with a .313 batting average, 972 runs scored, 1,563 hits, and 200 stolen bases.
But it goes without saying that Robinson’s significance extends far beyond the diamond. In 1947, Robinson represented the hopes and dreams of all people of color, and played a significant role in helping our country heal from years of ignorance and hatred. “Jackie Robinson made my success possible,” said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Without him, I would never have been able to do what I did.”
Opening Day by Jonathan Eig is a beautifully written and incredibly well researched book about Robinson’s first season in the majors, but it goes far beyond just that first season. Eig shares Robinson’s history leading up to 1947, from his childhood, to his college and military days, to his time in the Negro Leagues. Drawing on interviews with players, writers, and eyewitnesses, as well as archival material, Eig presents a portrait of an intense competitor who embodied the promise of integration and helped launch the civil rights era.
November 14, 2023
This is a fun book to read. Although everyone knows Jackie Robinson's story, it's interesting to get a front row seat through his first year in the major leagues. He was certainly one of the strongest, determined, thick-skinned person that ever was. To think that in 1947 (not that long ago) he was constantly harassed with every possible curse by other teams and fans. And he kept a lid on his rightful desire to strike back. He was an amazing man in so many ways.
Jackie was a great athlete. At UCLA he played all four sports and while a teenager he won a state tennis championship! Remarkable.
Dodger owner Branch Rickey tried to help Jackie by having a reporter, Wendell Smith, room with Jackie when the team was on the road. Of course, the two black men had to stay in different hotels for many of the away games. Again, 1947. Did the white Dodger players ever accept Jackie? Did he accept them? It's a toss up.
Although the book covers only his first season, I happened to recently go to the Jackie Robinson Museum off Canal St in Manhattan. There was a lot more info on his career after baseball. He was very involved in civil rights and was a successful business man. His speeches are as passionate as any by MLK.
One interesting item was that the Dodger's had hired a statistician, Allan Roth, who was passionate about baseball statistics. He developed methods to determine how well a certain hitter matched up against lefties and righties, how well he hit in day games or nights, was he better on weekdays or weekends, at home or away games. In other words, Roth was doing this (1947) long before the Oakland Athletic's management (Sandy Alderson and Billy Beane) did so (1995).
A solidly written read, a good book. Eig has another baseball book on Joe Gehrig.
Jackie was a great athlete. At UCLA he played all four sports and while a teenager he won a state tennis championship! Remarkable.
Dodger owner Branch Rickey tried to help Jackie by having a reporter, Wendell Smith, room with Jackie when the team was on the road. Of course, the two black men had to stay in different hotels for many of the away games. Again, 1947. Did the white Dodger players ever accept Jackie? Did he accept them? It's a toss up.
Although the book covers only his first season, I happened to recently go to the Jackie Robinson Museum off Canal St in Manhattan. There was a lot more info on his career after baseball. He was very involved in civil rights and was a successful business man. His speeches are as passionate as any by MLK.
One interesting item was that the Dodger's had hired a statistician, Allan Roth, who was passionate about baseball statistics. He developed methods to determine how well a certain hitter matched up against lefties and righties, how well he hit in day games or nights, was he better on weekdays or weekends, at home or away games. In other words, Roth was doing this (1947) long before the Oakland Athletic's management (Sandy Alderson and Billy Beane) did so (1995).
A solidly written read, a good book. Eig has another baseball book on Joe Gehrig.
October 22, 2023
Jackie Robinson deserves his rich legacy. So much has been written about his courage, strength and grace under fire as he integrated major league baseball. Opening Day shows that in a different perspective; the book focuses on Jackie Robinson's first season.
By focusing on the first season there is more depth on the key events that year including the aborted boycott by some of the Dodger players upon learning that Robinson would play and the ensuing isolation that Robinson felt from his teammates for the rest of the season. It also recounts the horrible treatment Robinson suffered from opposing players and fans as well as the swelling of African American fans for Dodger games. The author also explores some of the famous stories of that first year. One example is Pee Wee Reese standing by Robinson during screaming racial taunts by opposing fans. Interestingly, Eig finds no evidence from 1947 that Reese actually did that; no contemporaneous news accounts, no mention in interviews or histories written at the time. He acknowledges that it may have happened but given the absence of any evidence from the actual time...
And there is great baseball coverage as well, describing key games and Robinson's performances during the pennant race and seven game World Series against the New York Yankees
My only reservation about this book is that sometimes I wondered if it sometimes downplayed the emotional toll on Robinson during that difficult year
By focusing on the first season there is more depth on the key events that year including the aborted boycott by some of the Dodger players upon learning that Robinson would play and the ensuing isolation that Robinson felt from his teammates for the rest of the season. It also recounts the horrible treatment Robinson suffered from opposing players and fans as well as the swelling of African American fans for Dodger games. The author also explores some of the famous stories of that first year. One example is Pee Wee Reese standing by Robinson during screaming racial taunts by opposing fans. Interestingly, Eig finds no evidence from 1947 that Reese actually did that; no contemporaneous news accounts, no mention in interviews or histories written at the time. He acknowledges that it may have happened but given the absence of any evidence from the actual time...
And there is great baseball coverage as well, describing key games and Robinson's performances during the pennant race and seven game World Series against the New York Yankees
My only reservation about this book is that sometimes I wondered if it sometimes downplayed the emotional toll on Robinson during that difficult year
December 24, 2024
The title of this book is wonderfully accurate. It really is the story of the entire season, and not just the baseball parts (although baseball fans won't be disappointed in the description of plays and pitches). But it is much more than a play-by-play of every game the Dodgers played in 1947; Eig paints a picture of the entire season and how it resonated throughout the country.
Eig's writing is so vivid, you can feel the emotion as Jackie walks into the clubhouse for the first time, as he takes the plate for the first time, as he faces both cruelty and kindness in cities and ballparks across the Major Leagues. He gives us profiles of people who were affected by Robinson's barrier-breaking, including author Robert B. Parker, civil rights leader Malcolm X, and future governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder. Although some of these profiles go on a bit too long, they contribute a lot to the sense of change that was in atmosphere in 1947.
Eig doesn't exactly soft-pedal the negative reactions from both within and without baseball that arose as a result of integration, but in some ways, he down-plays it a little bit. Some of Jackie's fellow Dodgers were opposed on principle to playing with a black man, but when he joined the team, they realized he was an ok guy and that integration probably wouldn't actually bring about the end of civilization as we know it. Somehow I don't think it was that easy.
Eig's writing is so vivid, you can feel the emotion as Jackie walks into the clubhouse for the first time, as he takes the plate for the first time, as he faces both cruelty and kindness in cities and ballparks across the Major Leagues. He gives us profiles of people who were affected by Robinson's barrier-breaking, including author Robert B. Parker, civil rights leader Malcolm X, and future governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder. Although some of these profiles go on a bit too long, they contribute a lot to the sense of change that was in atmosphere in 1947.
Eig doesn't exactly soft-pedal the negative reactions from both within and without baseball that arose as a result of integration, but in some ways, he down-plays it a little bit. Some of Jackie's fellow Dodgers were opposed on principle to playing with a black man, but when he joined the team, they realized he was an ok guy and that integration probably wouldn't actually bring about the end of civilization as we know it. Somehow I don't think it was that easy.
July 27, 2025
After more than 75 years the integration of Major League Baseball remains one of the most dramatic events in American sports. This is in no small part because the event has been become the story of a man, Jackie Robinson. When called up to the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, Robinson knew the historic import of the moment. He also knew his life would never be the same. Eig's fascinating book details Robinson's highly dramatic rookie season.
One one level this is a sports history. The Dodgers found themselves in the thick of the National League pennant race that season. Although he was a rookie, Robinson was not young (28 that year) and was counted on to contribute to the team. This meant overcoming some racism in his own clubhouse as well as on the field. Not relying on the usual storyline, Eig instead details the Dodgers' season and the stress that was Robinson's constant companion. This combination of the team and player stories allows for a greater understanding of post-World War II America and the civil rights movement.
This highly dramatic story concludes with an excellent telling of the 1947 World Series. Pitted against the Yankees, the Dodgers experienced momentum swings to match the highs and lows of Robinson's season. In telling this tale, Eig gives readers a better understanding of an important moment in 20th century American history.
One one level this is a sports history. The Dodgers found themselves in the thick of the National League pennant race that season. Although he was a rookie, Robinson was not young (28 that year) and was counted on to contribute to the team. This meant overcoming some racism in his own clubhouse as well as on the field. Not relying on the usual storyline, Eig instead details the Dodgers' season and the stress that was Robinson's constant companion. This combination of the team and player stories allows for a greater understanding of post-World War II America and the civil rights movement.
This highly dramatic story concludes with an excellent telling of the 1947 World Series. Pitted against the Yankees, the Dodgers experienced momentum swings to match the highs and lows of Robinson's season. In telling this tale, Eig gives readers a better understanding of an important moment in 20th century American history.
September 17, 2018
Opening Day by Jonathan Eig is billed as “the story of Jackie Robinson’s first season,” which is a mostly accurate description. It is impossible to write about Jackie Robinson without writing about race, so this was never going to be a book about only baseball, and it was much more than that. The “mostly” part of my assessment comes from the fact that while the author writes about baseball (quite well, actually, and that’s not an easy thing to do!), he spends as much time, if not more, talking about other parts of American life as well. Key figures of the time and future times get lengthy sections (for example, there are multiple pages dedicated to the life and thoughts of Malcom X as he lived during Robinson’s first season). A more accurate sub-title would have been “the story of America during Jackie Robinson’s first season.” This made the book maybe a little overwrought at times when the author dipped into the well of modern editorialism to describe things, but overall it was a good book. Especially if you like baseball. Just don’t go into it expecting a book about only baseball or about only Jackie Robinson.
April 19, 2022
Well-written account of Jackie Robinson's debut series with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Eig does a great job of portraying the baseball side of Robinson's inaugural year in MLB, breaking the color barrier. He touches on most of the social aspects of Robinson's memorable year, but doesn't delve too deeply into any of them. In the notes, he explains that he tried hard to simply tell the story through the facts of what that first season was like. There are times I found myself wanting more details or more opinion, but Eig does a great job of giving the story as he has found it. 75 years has passed, and there are certain things we just don't know and will never know. He explains his desire to get behind the legend of Jackie Robinson and present him as the man - or, more to the point, the player who suited up #42 as the first African American to play in the Majors. I found it to be a delightful read in corresponding with the start of another baseball season, and he has certainly prompted me to explore more reading specific to the Negro Leagues and how they were dramatically affected by Robinson and the color barrier in MLB coming down.
March 1, 2025
My brother gifted me this book after he had read one of Jonathan Eig's other books. It was an excellent choice, for sure. Eig has a smooth, readable style. As I read it, in my head I heard it as if it was being narrated by John Chancellor, the narrator of Ken Burns's Baseball. As you'd expect of any excellent biography/history book, the rich details Eig uses to weave this story are what sets it apart from the many Jackie Robinson books out there. Kudos to Eig and his team of researchers. I've read a lot of sources about Robinson's barrier-breaking life (including the outstanding book by Jules Tygiel, Baseball's Great Experiment), but I came away from this book with a refreshed and clearer perspective on a great American athlete who almost single-handedly greatly advanced the cause of integration. I highly recommend this book to anybody, but especially baseball fans (and baseball nerds like me). I look forward to reading Jonathan Eig's other baseball tome, Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig.
August 21, 2017
This book explores Jackie Robinson's upbringing, the reasons that Branch Rickey signed him to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and his influence on baseball as well as American society during his debut season of 1947. I appreciated the author's efforts to perform archival research at the Library of Congress and to interview some of the players and fans from that season to give a sense of depth to Robinson's influence. For instance, two black men who became one of the leading fundraisers to the NAACP and the governor of a state, respectively, each had the chance to attend games as youngsters and witness the vitriol directed by fans toward Robinson. This forever altered their perspectives on the need to combat racism. It definitely is not as thorough an account as I would expect from an academic historian, but Jonathan Eig has made a commendable effort here to scour through primary sources and thereby explore Robinson's legacy.
June 16, 2020
Jackie Robinson's impact on America continues to resonate more than 70 years after his Major League Baseball debut. In Opening Day, Jonathan Eig does an admirable job chronicling, through interviews and newspaper clips, Robinson's rookie season with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He takes readers inside the clubhouse and on the field as Robinson makes history. For baseball fans, Eig transports us to Ebbets Field and provides insight into the thoughts and actions of Robinson's teammates and opponents. The book, for the most part, centers on one year — 1947, and it's heavy on baseball play-by-play. It does, however, shed some light on the challenges and obstacles Robinson faced before, during, and (in the epilogue) beyond that important season. I'd have liked there to have been more of that. The epilogue, which I found to be heartbreaking, helps to illustrate the burden Robinson bore throughout his lifetime.
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