• JACKIE NATION ROYAL TEE

    Common Union

  • $29.99

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  • Description

     Jackie Roosevelt Robinson - Shortstop, Kansas City Monarchs

    Before the season started, it looked as if the Monarchs might lose their rookie shortstop. Jackie and two other Negro League players attended tryouts in April at Fenway Park, and there was speculation that Jackie might be signed, and perhaps become Major League Baseball’s first colored player. However, Boston General Manager Eddie Collins was not impressed, reportedly shouting racial epithets as he ordered the trio off the field. Their loss was the Monarchs gain, as Robinson proved himself to be an outstanding player in his first professional season. Jackie attended UCLA, where he earned letters in baseball, football, basketball, and track. As a running back, he averaged over 12 yards per carry and over 25 yards per pass reception. He was also the PAC 10’s leading scorer in basketball, and won an NCAA national title in the broad jump. In baseball, his least favorite collegiate sport, he eked out a miserable .093 batting average! Like many young men, Robinson served during the war. Drafted early in ‘42, he was sent to Fort Riley, where he applied for a commission as an officer. Some Army brass didn’t want black soldiers serving as officers. It took intervention from boxing champion Joe Louis to get Jackie promoted to 2nd Lieutenant. Robinson played pro football with the Los Angeles Bulldogs and coached college basketball during the off-season.

    100% RING SPUN COTTON

    SCREEN PRINT

    *COMES WITH COLLECTIBLE VINTAGE INSPIRED BASEBALL CARD*

  • JACKIE NATION ROYAL TEE
  • JACKIE NATION ROYAL TEE
  • JACKIE NATION ROYAL TEE

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