Dear Students,

Sixty-six years ago today, Jackie Robinson played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was the first African-American to play Major League Baseball in over 50 years. Crossing the color line took restraint, confidence, and bravery. Jackie Robinson not only had to be a better player than most ballplayers, but he had to be a better person as well. Robinson went on to become one of the greatest players of his generation, and we still remember his contributions to Major League Baseball.

Today, all major league baseball players will commemorate Robinson by wearing his number 42 on their jerseys. In our class, we’ll remember him by reading a story about Robinson’s first year in the majors and one incident that really showed Robinson’s courage.

Let’s have a great day,

Mr. Heimbuck