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Jackie Robinson in film: his significance in Do the Right Thing and Bringing Down the House.
- Article from:
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The National Pastime
- Article date:
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January 1, 2005
- Author:
- Ardolino, Frank
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2005 University of Nebraska Press. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Perhaps the most revered number and jersey in baseball history belongs to Jackie Robinson, who wore number 42 throughout his 10-year career with the Dodgers.
As John Odell has said, "Robinson wore number 42 throughout his major league career; for baseball fans and American historians, the number ... is ... associated with no other player, and likely never will be." (1) On April 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of Jackie's debut, his number was permanently retired, with only Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera allowed to continue to wear it. Odell concludes, "Robinson's jersey certainly signifies his tremendous playing career. Ultimately, however, what no jersey can ever show are ...