Jackie Robinson and Ernie Banks – 1953
On an overcast day in Birmingham, Alabama in 1953, Jackie Robinson had a great idea of holding a white & black all-star game to show people that the races could co-exist in life and in sports. Unfortunately, he chose to hold the game in the deep south. Officials from Birmingham barred Robinson from holding such an event as it was against the law. Not wanting to disappoint the crowd, Robinson discussed the situation with all the members of the teams and dropped all white players from his group. This surprised the city officials but won over the crowd and the white players who respected Robinson immensely.
Also in the picture is Larry Doby of the Cleveland Indians who, like Robinson, was instrumental in breaking baseball’s color barrier.