Jackie Robinson Day.

[AdamL]

Today was celebrating in major league baseball as Jackie Robinson Day. Alot of players, and even some whole teams wore #42 today in his honor on their uniforms. He did alot for civil rights way before the movement really exploded. He was the first black man to break the color barrier in baseball, and play with the white guys. He did alot just by being a classy guy and playing the game right even while being insulted, having things thrown at him, and even having death threats made against him. I just heard them say he stole home plate 19 times in his career! I heard a higher number before, but either way that is incredible. I've never seen ANYONE steal home even once. Last year on Jackie Robinson day Albert Pujols attempted it, but failed miserably. Anyway, Jackie Robinson was an incredible guy, which is why this commemorative is one of my favorite coins. Unfortunately my scanner doesn't do very well with proof coins.

[AdamL]

Reverse:

[CoinCrusader42]

I have been a baseball fan since the late 1940's.  I can still remember listening to the radio and enjoying sportscasts of ball games.  Hearing such names as Allie Reynolds, Bob Cerv, DiMaggio, Musial, and a young Mickey Mantle starting about 1950.

I admire Jackie Robinson, and the coin is very nice.

I don't wholeheartedly jump on the Robinson bandwagon however.

Two reasons.

First, there has been so much written and stated about the abuse he suffered.  True, but many black players would have given most anything to have been "first."  With the abuse came more money, and fame which continues to this day.

Second, why stop with Roninson regarding the retirement of his number?

There are many others deserving of the honor, for various reasons.  One example is Babe Ruth.  He is credited for "saving baseball" following the White Sox scandal.

I won't rain on the parade anymore.  It's a nice coin.  I need to add one to my collection.

 

[AdamL]

Speaking of Stan the Man Musial, we have several balls signed by him that my dad got "back in the day". I understand what you mean about all the other great players who deserve more recognition. But it still doesn't take anything away from what Jackie accomplisehed

[CoinCrusader42]

I met Stan The Man once, and also watched him play in an exhibition game in Salt Lake City.

I still have an old 8mm movie I took of him reaching into the stands and catching a foul ball.

The Cardinals played the Cubs that day and I also got to see Ernie Banks play.

 

[AdamL]

Great stories guys. I vaguely remember the time I met Stan the Man. I was about 5 years old. My dad took me to some kind of event where there was alot of retired ball players. Alot of great players. I remember Lou Brock and Stan the Man, I guess those just seemed like interesting names to me. hehe. Stan talked with us for quite a while as I recall. Really nice guy. He signed 4 baseballs for us -One for my dad and one for each of us brothers. Years later in 2005 I was at the old Busch stadium when there were only 6 games left before they tore it down. Since he was #6 they had a little ceremony. It was pretty cool. Now I see a major leaguer who pitched for a world champion team at alot of family gatherins, because my brother married his sister.

[CoinCrusader42]

That was a great Yankee team Old Dan.

I got to see the Yankees play in 1961 and 1962, in Kansas City.  Saw Maris hit one of his 61 homers.

Years later I had a conversation with Bobby Richardson, and he and I agreed that the 1961 Yankees were probably the greatest team in baseball history.