avatarEP McKnight, MEd

Summary

The web content celebrates the historic handshake between Jackie Robinson and George Shuba, symbolizing racial solidarity in baseball.

Abstract

The article commemorates the significant moment in American sports history when George Shuba shook hands with Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. This gesture, captured in a poem, highlights the importance of unity and support in the face of racial segregation and prejudice. Jackie Robinson's entry into the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946 marked a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights, as he faced hostility from teammates and the public. The handshake, which occurred after Robinson hit a home run, is memorialized in a statue, embodying the triumph over adversity and the progress towards equality. The poem reflects on the impact of this handshake, suggesting it was a divine intervention that helped ease the pain of racism and set a precedent for nonviolent activism in sports.

Opinions

  • The author views Jackie Robinson as a civil rights icon and a champion for equality, likening his impact to that of a bricklayer solidly building history.
  • The poem conveys a strong opinion against the racism and rejection Robinson faced from his teammates, describing them as spoiled children unwilling to accept change.
  • George Shuba is portrayed as an angelic figure, sent by God, who nonjudgmentally extended his hand in support of Robinson, symbolizing humanity and acceptance.
  • The handshake is considered an act of defiance against the prevailing racism of the time, with the author suggesting it was a moment of divine intervention and nonviolent resistance.
  • The author believes that the handshake's significance extends beyond the event itself, warranting its immortalization in a statue to inspire future generations and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

The Handshake of the Century with Jackie Robinson & George Shuba

A poem of knowing when a handshake will matter for a life time

Jackie Robinson, was the man a civil rights champion, took a stand With the Brooklyn Dodgers, he signed As his teammates sneered in line An American professional baseball player Making history, solidly like a bricklayer In six world series he played Broke the color line, amidst blockade 1946, hit a home run, got rejection Making history like a roaring lion Hoped he wouldn’t, his team mates did Refused to shake his hand, like a spoil kid Didn’t want to follow him in batting up Hatred, racism spilled over from their cup But one teammate shook his hand Took no thought, but took a stand Humanity about him, to the plate he stepped Supporting Jackie, totally he did accept An angel sent by God, at that particular time Easing Jackie’s pain, as victory and history chimed Nonviolently used his talent to challenge Equal rights and Civil Rights, he did revenge Undefeated, a handshake saved the day Arresting others evilness, far at bay Now that immortal handshake to be Engraved in a statue, the world to see Robinson and Shuba made the way A memory in statue, immortal they lay!

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