Isn't it ironic that within one week we witnessed the destructive power of irresponsible and mean-spirited behavior from one man, and yet reminded of the heroic behavior of another who faced down the hostilities of racism and went on to change professional sports and some would say our nation.
60 years ago today Mr. Jackie Robinson was the first African American to integrate Major League Baseball. From the first day he stepped on the field Jackie Robinson consistently delivered "Hall of Fame" excellence in the face of what was perhaps the most racist and hostile crowds ever in American sports. Jackie Robinson's courage and excellence on the ball field may have inspired more than just integration of professional baseball, but also the birth of the modern civil rights movement that would soon follow.
Great lessons Jackie Robinson showed us:
Preparation is critical - Jackie Robinson was the first athlete in the history of UCLA to letter in 4 sports.
- Get in the game - You can't change the game, and certainly not the world, intimidated on the sidelines.
- The best way to silence your critics is with excellence. It's very hard to criticize talented people who deliver.
- The power one person has to inspire change through courage, great performance, and professionalism.
- Thank you for the great career and life lessons Jackie, they are just as powerful today as they were 60 years ago!
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