Brooklyn Dodgers 5

Boston Braves 3

      5,623 fans packed Ebbets Field in Brooklyn to see the Dodgers and Braves kick off the 1947 season. The Dodgers pulled out a 5-3 victory; however, the game was overshadowed by their starting first basemen Jackie Robinson. Not because of his stats, as he went hitless while scoring a run that ended up winning the game, but because of his race. By stepping onto the field, 28-year-old Robinson became the first ever black professional baseball player, breaking the long time color barrier within America’s game. Robinson, who was selected by Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey as the best candidate to break baseball’s color line, received mixed reactions from teammates, the opposing team, and fans. Dodgers starting pitcher Joe Hatten threw six strong innings as he out dueled Braves starter Johnny Sain; however, it was Jackie Robinson who will be remembered 60 years from now, not who won or lost this monumental game within the sporting realm and fight for desegregation.