This film is takes place around in the mid 1940’s right after World War 2. This was still a time of much segregation and discrimination. For many people growing up in this time Baseball was the sport to watch. It is now considered Americans past time. This period in time is often over Romanized by lovers of the sport. Even though baseball was in its prime there were still many faults. Up until Jackie Robinson, African Americans weren’t allowed to play in the Major leagues. This was still a time of segregation and discrimination. This even carried on into sports. This movie tells the brave story of an African American baseball player being drafted into the major leagues.
This movie starts off when Jackie Robinson stops at a gas station to fuel up his minor league “the Kansas City Monarchs” team bus. When the gas station attendants deny him and his teammates access to the bathroom, Jackie tells the attendant they will find another gas station to fill their bus up. This angered the attendants, but Jackie stands his ground. This is where Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Ricky tracks Jackie Robinson down. Branch see the confrontation and his interest in Jackie increases. Branch likes Jackie so much he offers him a so much he offers him a spot on the team right then and there. Jackie accepts and moves to Brooklyn to play. This was an unbelievable stress put on Jackie Robinson.
He was the first African American to play in the major leagues. Right off the bat Jackie was exposed to acts of hatred. One of the most notable acts of hatred was in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Manager Ben Chapmen calls Jackie Robinson names and mocks him. This causes Jackie to go back and smash his bat in the dugout with frustration. After encouragement of Ricky Jackie returns back onto the field. Jackie hits a single, then steals second, then advancing to third on a throwing error, then runs home winning the game. This is one of the most notable moments of the movie. Jackie Robinson was an amazing baseball player but also a great man. Jackie Robinson paved the way for African American baseball players in the major leagues. I love this movie because it gives people a role model to look up to. At the time this movie came out I was still playing baseball and I looked at Jackie Robinson as a role model.