Role Models of Past and Present:Sports #BlackHistory

In our last post we learned about Artists from past and present. This week this kids learned about Role Models of past and Present in Sports for Black History.

Sports especially baseball has been a sport I grew up watching along with soccer. I shared with the kids that just 66 years ago “colored” people weren’t allowed to play ball. It was our favorite team the Dodgers who broke that segregation and I couldn’t be prouder to tell the story.

Role Model of our Past: Jackie Robinson

I shared that the great Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) was the First African American to play in the Major Leagues. He played second base for the then Brooklyn Dodgers. He was also the first Black player to be honored with the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1949.

Jackie Robinson had such an impact in the sport that he went on to make more opportunities by become the first Black television analyst for the MLB. He now is honored by the MLB with “Jackie Robinson Day” every year where players in the league all sport the #42 jersey.

“I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” – Jackie Robinson

Role Model of our Present: Dee Gordon

I choose Dee Gordon because he is the perfect example of a young Black American with a positive role model in his own family who plays the same sport. I first learned about Dee Gordon when he was a rookie for the Dodgers. “Dee followed in his father’s footsteps when he appeared in the Midwest League All-Star game, just as his father did 21 years before.”

Dee Grodon is a Florida native who was born in 1988. He is the son of Tom Gordon. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2008 MLB Draft. The Dodgers also selected him as their “Minor League Player of the Year” He was officially picked up in 2011 and plays shortstop. Dee is best known for his fast moves and ability to steal bases. He is the perfect example of a young black american succeeding by following his dreams.

Kids Explore Baseball

I think it’s important for Little Man and Little Lady to have role models like Jackie Robinson and Dee Gordon to look up to. Little Man especially is an aspiring ball player and he needs to learn about those that paved the way and those that continue to make a positive influence in this sport.

I look forward to sharing more role models of past and present.

Stay Tuned