9 Comments
User's avatar
Jordan Stankovich's avatar

This was great!! Thanks Paul! I NEVER heard that story before. Thank you for the great in depth piece on it. And in '54 the Dodgers finally did "Wait till next year."

Paul Jackson's avatar

I confess I had to think about it for a minute, but I got there eventually--great observation. This was the one year when the maxim proved true. Thanks Jordan!

Keith Rohman's avatar

What a great read! Thanks for the story and the good writing.

Paul Jackson's avatar

Thanks, Keith! Thanks for reading and very glad you enjoyed.

Jordan Stankovich's avatar

Also the season the Indians who won 111 games fell to the Giants in the WS. Here's the irony to the whole story. The same organization while in Boston in 1948, their opponents would "pray for rain." "Spahn and Sain and for rain." 6 years later as the franchise relocated to Milwaukee, there was rain on June 2, 1954 and it caused havoc and mayhem.

Jeff's avatar

Something I never was aware of from Jackie. I assumed the ballparks then didn’t display the typical “Not responsible” signs as they do today.

Yankee Stadium has them all over the park & printed on the ticket stubs.

I cannot believe for one second it was deliberate & I’m sure the man had other thoughts in his head.

Thanx Paul

Paul Jackson's avatar

That's an interesting question, Jeff. The Milwaukee tickets didn't have "flying object" disclaimers, just the Rain Check rules. I am sure incidents like this one (and the accompanying lawsuit) helped bring the Age of Liability to baseball and encourage teams to add more fine print and precautionary signage.

Bill Southern's avatar

Great story, Paul. Seems out of character for Robinson, but, he was clearly a talented athlete and a competitor.

Paul Jackson's avatar

Our flaws are certainly a part of our character, too. I appreciated that at least a few people made this point in regards to this incident. It's interesting to think about how they contribute positively in our lives overall, even as we perceive them as shortcomings. Sometimes--but not always!--its just a matter of perspective.