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The racial divide was rigidly practiced and reinforced by white America in the most elemental human experiences: where you drank water, ate, sat, used the bathroom and even where and with whom you interacted. Consequently, because of this racial divide, black athletes were forced to establish their own professional teams and leagues as early as 1920. The Negro Leagues provided a showcase of the very best black players throughout the country and a popular social occasion for the community. Players had to be competitive, versatile--play multiple positions as rosters were small; wages fluctuated, and road trips were long and potentially dangerous, especially in rigidly segregated southern towns. |
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White owners profited also from the Negro Leagues because in some cities, black teams had to rent these stadiums, at inflated rates, to play their games. In addition, competition against a Negro League team and a Major League team attracted a large and curious crowd to the ballpark. After leaving the army, Jackie joined the Kansas City Monarchs, a Negro League team, in April 1945. He was paid $400 a month to play shortstop. In 41 games with the Monarchs, Robinson batted .345 with ten doubles, four triples, and five home runs; and was chosen to play in the annual All Star Game. Jackie got to play against some of the leagues greatest players like Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell. Unlike most players in the Negro Leagues, whose athletic finesse languished in relative obscurity, Jackie was noticed by scouts for Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In October 1945 he met with Branch Rickey for the first time. |
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