Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism and death.

Before signing Jackie, Rickey spoke to the baseball commissioner. The person in this role acts as the president of MLB, managing the entire league and implementing discipline in the form of suspensions or, in some cases, bans. Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, a former federal judge, didn’t want Rickey to sign a Black player; however, his successor, Happy Chandler, a former Kentucky senator and Kentucky governor, was encouraging. The description of Rickey’s consultation with the commissioner reveals the power of this role. However, the commissioner’s job depends on the owners. They vote on who gets the role.

Sharon’s favorite photograph is of Jackie stealing home during the 1955 World Series. After reaching a base, a runner can steal the next base by running as the pitcher throws the ball (but before the ball reaches the batter) and making it to the next base safely. If the runner is attempting to steal second or third base, the catcher must receive the ball and throw it to the base; the runner is often successful in this scenario. If the runner is attempting to steal home, the catcher must only tag the runner; stealing home is difficult, so Jackie’s successful steal of home highlights his speed and skill.