Question

Jackie Robinson's first appearance in a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform in 1947 struck an important blow for civil rights because he ________.

• A. Won the first rookie of the year award after the 1947 season
• B. Brought the Negro League style of play to the major leagues for the first time
• C. Proved to thousands of fans every day that there was no legitimate reason to exclude African-American players from major league baseball
• D. Received death threats from people who believed that baseball and society should remain segregated
• E. Was honored by having his number retired by major league baseball in 1997

Answer 1

The correct option is C Proved to thousands of fans every day that there was no legitimate reason to exclude African-American players from major league baseball

Jackie Robinson's first appearance in a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform in 1947 struck an important blow for civil rights because he proved to thousands of fans every day that there was no legitimate reason to exclude African American players from major league baseball. It was ironic because on that day big league teams were painting No. 42 on second base, shaking down the memories of the time when Branch Rickey summoned Robinson to the office of the Dodgers, questioned him, goaded and primed him for three hours, and told him to be the first black ballplayer in the major leagues.