Jackie Robinson’s Wife Reveals Untold Story of Courage That Changed Baseball

“42”

On April 15 (U.S. time), in a game against the Mets, Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (31) took the mound wearing this number. “42” is the retired number of Jackie Robinson (who passed away in 1972 at the age of 53), the man who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier. The day marked the anniversary of Robinson’s 1947 MLB debut with the Dodgers, and it is known as “Jackie Robinson Day,” when all players wear the number 42.

Yoshiaki Furuuchi, an MLB analyst with 31 years of experience covering Major League Baseball, commented:

“Today, many Japanese players including Shohei Ohtani are active in the majors, but at the time Robinson debuted, it was an exclusive world where only white players were allowed. When Robinson stepped onto the field, he was shouted at by fans yelling ‘Get out!’ He was sometimes denied boarding at airports and refused accommodation at hotels. His family also received threats including death threats and kidnapping warnings—suffering unimaginable discrimination.”

Have the courage not to retaliate

Branch Rickey, the Dodgers executive who signed Robinson, is said to have told him:

“You are beginning a difficult battle that no one has ever fought before. To win, you must not only be a great player but also a gentleman. No matter what discrimination you face, have the courage not to retaliate.”

Furuuchi continues:

“The reason Robinson was able to remain both a great player and a gentleman, following Rickey’s words, was his wife Rachel. They met at UCLA during college and got married. Together, they endured death threats and criticism.”

Rachel Robinson, born in 1922, is still alive at 103 years old. Furuuchi recalls meeting her briefly after a press conference held at Shea Stadium on April 15, 2004, “Jackie Robinson Day.”

“She was wearing a tasteful, dark-toned suit. Even though she was already over 80 at the time, she had an energetic way of speaking, a powerful gaze, and a commanding presence that I still vividly remember.”

The important thing is to take that first step

When Furuuchi asked Rachel Robinson what she thought about the success of Japanese MLB players such as Hideo Nomo and Hideki Matsui, she reportedly replied:

“If more young people around the world get the opportunity to play in the Major Leagues, I think Jackie would be very happy. One person’s courage can change the world. Taking that first step is important. Believing in yourself and continuing to take on challenges is something truly wonderful.”

Rachel Robinson then continued thoughtfully, speaking to Furuuchi:

“To think there is now a commemorative day named after Jackie (Jackie Robinson Day). During Jackie’s playing days, that would have been unimaginable. Seeing players everywhere wearing number 42 (his retired number) is deeply moving.”

Jackie Robinson overcame hardships that are almost unimaginable from today’s perspective and changed the course of history. The success of Japanese players cannot be told without his legacy. Rachel Robinson’s words convey both Robinson’s greatness and the weight of the life his family lived alongside him.