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Guestbook and Jackie Fan Mail

From the lens Jackie Robinson: The Story of an American Hero.

Please share this page so that more people can learn Jackie Robinson's amazing story!

  • williemack58 Apr 28, 2012 @ 6:43 pm | delete
    Thank you for this informative flashback of this American Hero. It is amazing how through the struggles he maintained his dignity, integrity and made it home, safe.
  • brumot Apr 28, 2012 @ 2:00 pm | delete
    From this baseball AND Dodger fan, great job here. What a guy that JR.
  • leahjsongs Apr 28, 2012 @ 11:15 am | delete
    I really enjoyed this lens. What an amazing person and player he was. Good reminder of the road that he helped to pave for the great players of my own generation.
  • Zhana21 Apr 28, 2012 @ 7:21 am | delete
    I have nominated you for Lens of the Day.
  • Greekgeek Apr 28, 2012 @ 12:22 pm | delete
    Thanks very much! Actually, this *was* Lens of the Day... about five years ago!
  • Zhana21 Apr 28, 2012 @ 6:39 am | delete
    Excellent lens about an African American sporting hero.
  • MariePalmer Apr 28, 2012 @ 3:11 am | delete
    Great lens!
  • RubyHRose Apr 28, 2012 @ 1:56 am | delete
    For sure, what a great baseball player, man and hero. I loved learning about him in school. Thanks for such a great lens that told us all much more about him. I am sharing!
  • myfirstjobsecondshift Apr 27, 2012 @ 10:46 pm | delete
    Wow. This lens taught me a lot about this Jackie Robinson I didn't know. This was well written and very informative.
  • Rosaquid Apr 27, 2012 @ 6:47 pm | delete
    Thanks for the lens. I enjoyed it and selected it for my "Babe Ruth" quest.
    He certainly was a remarkable man.
  • Wednesday_Elf Apr 22, 2012 @ 10:54 am | delete
    I like to get by this special page every April 15th to help you celebrate 'Jackie Robinson Day', but I was in the midst of a move from St. Louis to Savannah, GA this year. I was thinking about you & Jackie, though.

    I see where Vin Scully has been out ill. Hope he's back in the broadcast booth soon.
  • Greekgeek Apr 22, 2012 @ 12:04 pm | delete
    Aww. Thank you so much!

    Vin's back... in fact, his first broadcast in over a week was Jackie Robinson Day! (I was at the park, but came home to replay the game on mlb.tv afterwards...ah, technology.) It was a bad cold, but he seems to have recovered finally. At his age, we can't help but worry.
  • bloomingrose Apr 22, 2012 @ 1:27 am | delete
    Wasn't he something? He changed the world for the better, that is for sure.
  • elibenporat Apr 20, 2012 @ 10:29 pm | delete
    Baseball did the right thing retiring his Jersey. I think it's fantastic that Mariano Rivera (another truly classy player) still shares his number.
  • tsp8ntball Apr 1, 2012 @ 1:07 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing this amazing story
  • Graceonline Apr 1, 2012 @ 11:23 am | delete
    I just had to come back and see this lens again, since it's April. What a role model, this man. Happy April Fool's Day!
  • wilfredpadilla Mar 21, 2012 @ 11:14 pm | delete
    I like his story. Thanks for sharing.
  • christhecopywriter Mar 8, 2012 @ 8:09 pm | delete
    Good resource for Jackie Robinson info, although I think he should have been called out at home on the steal.
  • ronaldpakasi Mar 1, 2012 @ 9:27 am | delete
    This lens is awesome! Nice biography you wrote....really! Great lens!
  • entertainmenteveryday Feb 22, 2012 @ 11:28 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing this important story! Well written and informative lens.
  • baseballbrains Feb 13, 2012 @ 5:01 pm | delete
    Great lens, thanks for the hard work!
  • HandmadeBaseballGloves Feb 10, 2012 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    I'm doing research on Jackie and I found your site invaluable.
    Thanks
  • rauspitz Feb 3, 2012 @ 8:57 pm | delete
    An exceptional lens about an exceptional person and baseball player. Jackie changed baseball, and this country for the better.
  • jimmyworldstar Jan 25, 2012 @ 4:45 pm | delete
    Amazing lens. He went through so much alone, through so much abuse and rose above it all to prove how much of a great ball player he was regardless of the color of his skin.
  • zap1994 Nov 18, 2011 @ 9:28 am | delete
    What a great tribute to one of the best ever
  • hughgrissettsr Nov 10, 2011 @ 1:55 pm | delete
    superb lens! recently read the history of blackball.
  • gypsyman27 Nov 2, 2011 @ 10:53 pm | delete
    This is a wonderful tribute to a man that in addition to being a baseball great had great patience. He would endure some of the worst taunts ever from people that came to watch the game. He did so with patience and dignity. I don't think I could have done as well. Thank you for helping everyone remember this great man. See you around the galaxy...
  • ---Chazz Aug 15, 2011 @ 9:10 pm | delete
    Y E S ! FAN-tastic! Blessed on the Squid Angels Epic Back To School Bus Trip Quest.
  • JeremiahStanghini Apr 16, 2011 @ 2:08 am | delete
    A true HERO, not just baseball hero. :-)
  • Wednesday_Elf Apr 15, 2011 @ 6:50 pm | delete
    Being 'Jackie Robinson Day 2011, I'm stopping back by to say once again what a wonderful tribute to a great man you have presented here. Play Ball!
  • Flynn_the_Cat Apr 15, 2011 @ 5:45 pm | delete
    Wow. I'm impressed. I'm also filing this under 'somewhere to send students next time they ALL coming looking for the same few books on Rosa Parks for a Civil rights assignment because that's the only name they know about'

    So this has been WELL worth my time :D
  • Spook Mar 18, 2011 @ 5:26 pm | delete
    I am both the current political and sporting Angel. This lens has been on my radar for a long time. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to get around? One of my all time favourite people was Sir Garfield Sobers a West Indian cricket player who had to live amongst the same type of prejudice but always stood tall. Consequently, if you don't mind I'd prefer to add it to my blessed by a sporting Angel rather than my culture and society political one. If you object I'll swap them around.
  • Wednesday_Elf Mar 3, 2011 @ 5:12 pm | delete
    Back again.... LOL. Wanted to let you know this lens was featured today on Squidoo Lens Review - http://blog.growwear.com/baseball-is-back-life-is-good/

    Baseball time is getting closer! Life is Good!
  • Wednesday_Elf Feb 12, 2011 @ 8:05 pm | delete
    This is still one of my favorite lenses of all I've read on Squidoo. And... it's nearly mid-February -- Baseball Season is not far behind now :)

    Am returning to let you know that this lens has been 'Featured on" and 'Lensrolled to' my "SquidAngel Blessings by an Elf" lens.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Nov 26, 2010 @ 4:24 pm | delete
    I have just featured this in my lens on an amazing book The Warmth of Other Suns Thanks for helping make my lens great!
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Nov 26, 2010 @ 3:57 pm | delete
    I am featuring this on my upcoming lens on The Warmth of Other Suns
  • Oct 24, 2010 @ 7:55 pm | delete
    Jackie truly was a great American hero. For what he went through and to come out with his pride and his dignity still intact is proof as to what a person he was. Baseball has a lot to thank him for.
  • Fitzcharming Oct 14, 2010 @ 10:51 pm | delete
    You've put together a wonderful tribute to an American baseball hero.
  • ShirlW Oct 6, 2010 @ 10:40 am | delete
    Jackie Robinson is a genuine hero in this world. Great tribute! Lenrolled to End Racism and Angel Blessed today.
  • Wednesday_Elf Sep 19, 2010 @ 4:08 pm | delete
    I've visited this lens several times - it's one of my very favorites. Now that I have some 'angel' powers, I'm delighted, this time, to be able to leave a ~~SquidAngel Blessing~~
  • Wednesday_Elf Apr 16, 2010 @ 5:20 am | delete
    Greekgeek, I thought about you and this, your wonderful tribute to Jackie Robinson, yesterday during the 2010 Jackie Robinson Day. I really enjoyed your lively 'discussions' on my baseball memories story. There's nothing I like better than 'talking' baseball!

    Although the ultimate way to watch a baseball game is 'in person, at the stadium', that's not very often feasible, so I spend a lot of time watching ball games on TV. One of my favorite things is listening to baseball sports announcers share little tidbits and facts about baseball. Yesterday, while every player on every team was wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson, I learned that when that proclamation was begun, any player currently wearing #42 was 'grandfathered' in, being allowed to wear the Number 42 until their retirement. Mariano Rivera, closing pitcher for the Yankees (and my very favorite pitcher) is the last remaining baseball player still wearing #42. Last night Rivera came into the game late in the 9th inning, and got the final out for the Yankees' win -- very appropriate for Jackie Robinson Day!
  • Wednesday_Elf Apr 5, 2010 @ 9:16 pm | delete
    Came back to tell you I've now written two baseball-related lenses and have set my charity donation percent on both to the Jackie Robinson Foundation. It's really a worthwhile cause.
  • Wednesday_Elf Mar 19, 2010 @ 11:11 am | delete
    This is one of the best written baseball stories on Squidoo. With the 2010 baseball season about to begin and Jackie Robinson Day coming up, I am including this page as a featured lens on my new baseball lens "Crazy About Baseball". Excellent presentation.
  • Spook Nov 28, 2009 @ 8:08 am | delete
    Love people like this, always have and always will. I think there is good and bad in all cultures, it just depends on who you wish to follow. Blessed by an Angel.
  • Greekgeek Nov 28, 2009 @ 9:24 am | delete
    Ah, thank you! This lens doesn't get much traffic, but it always makes me feel good when I can share this story with a few more people -- and I always like to see if i can get this lens up in tier 2 so it's earning a little more for the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Its monthly earnings aren't much, but every little bit helps.
  • dannym29 Aug 10, 2009 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    great lens really informative!
  • Cash_Flow Jul 3, 2009 @ 11:28 am | delete
    Its very inspiring.. A legend worth to be remembered.
  • cjm2000 Jul 1, 2009 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    Jackie Robinson really taught us a lesson dont overcome evil with evil but overcome evil with good!
  • kaibigan Jun 20, 2009 @ 8:35 am | delete
    An excellent analysis of the racial situation during that time and Jackie Robinson's exploits and achievements. Keep up the excellent work.
  • StephenC Jun 14, 2009 @ 7:26 pm | delete
    Not sure if I have been here before. Terrific lens. What a great job. Being a life-long Dodger fan, Jackie was known to me from a very young age. I remember when I saw him on TV in about 1970. Even though I was young, I knew the ordeal that he had gone through had aged him way beyond his years. And he was gone a couple years later. This man was truly a modern day martyr for all black athletes. He carried such a heavy burden with such humility.
  • planetweaver Jun 2, 2009 @ 11:11 pm | delete
    Brilliant lens. Thank You!
  • ozau May 30, 2009 @ 9:43 pm | delete
    Too bad the people today don't understand that the fight for true freedom is still here in the home land with deeds and actions such as Jackies and not on distant shores making money for the industrialist war mongers.
  • OhMe May 29, 2009 @ 9:58 pm | delete
    Lensrolling to Pendleton Memories Part 2 - Sandra Gantt. Very well done.; I enjoyed my second visit here.
  • RichW1 May 17, 2009 @ 5:23 pm | delete
    THIS is what I call a great lens!! Robinson was a great inspiration to black and whites in the '50's when I was a kid in the deep South. Excellent work!!
    Definitely 6 stars if they were available. :)
  • downtown35 May 17, 2009 @ 9:06 am | delete
    One of the great blessings of my life was the day that I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr.Robinson and his family at their home in Stamford CT.
    I was just a boy at the time but the experience has had a profound effect on my life.The amazing thing though is that I know Mr.and Mrs.Robinson,who took the time to invite a boy whom they did not know ,into their home,had to know that what they were doing would have the kind of effect on the mind of a young black child for the rest of his life.
    Yes, that meeting and the afternoon spent at the Robinson's home,changed my life.I can't really explain how or why but I know that I thought of myself differently after that day.
    The inscription on Mr.Robinson's grave stone reads"A life is not important except for the impact that it has on other's lives" Mr.Robinson didn't just say those words...he lived them and I am a living testimony to that.
    To honor Mr.Robinson for the impact he had on me and our country,I named my only child,Robinson.
  • May 16, 2009 @ 11:31 am | delete
    really good information here. Thanks for sharing!
  • DaniiOfOz May 15, 2009 @ 11:19 pm | delete
    Your lens is inspiring and a wonderful tribute to Jackie Robinson
  • Gripandflip May 15, 2009 @ 11:16 pm | delete
    As a sports nut I thought this was great information and eye opening. Thanks.
  • AnnieMcMahon May 14, 2009 @ 11:16 am | delete
    Jackie Robinson is amazing, and so is your lens! I would give you 6 stars if I could. :)
  • trends12 May 13, 2009 @ 2:16 pm | delete
    wow, so much information I didn't know about someone so great.
  • lefty78 May 13, 2009 @ 2:01 pm | delete
    Awesome lens!

    Total Baseball Squidoo Group
  • Greekgeek May 13, 2009 @ 2:01 pm | in reply to Clairejr | delete
    Yep! That's the Jackie Robinson Story movie I've got a special link to (the big block in blue) just above my "Rare Game Footage" video. I'll have to check out your link, though... it'd be interesting to have it embedded on this lens instead of just linking to it, if I can!
  • Clairejr May 13, 2009 @ 8:37 am | delete
    Thanks for this lens - great information. There's a great movie about Jackie that stars him - "The Jackie Robinson Story." It's in the public domain and can be watched on Google:

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8217115611870612113

    It shows both Jackie's and Branch Rickey's courage and determination.

    Claire
  • May 12, 2009 @ 2:08 am | delete
    A true American hero and inspiration to us all.
  • Lonskis May 11, 2009 @ 5:01 pm | delete
    A very special lens. As you mentioned although the chains have been cast off, there is still healing to do, lenses like this go along way to help us all move forward.
  • SamyRoumieh May 9, 2009 @ 12:13 pm | delete
    Its A legend--
  • umike25 May 9, 2009 @ 6:04 am | delete
    Excellent,

    I believe we are all the same .. spiritually.

    http://www.squidoo.com/zenmonk
  • StephenC May 8, 2009 @ 10:52 am | delete
    Good stuff! I made a lens on steroids and baseball. What do you think I make the number one argument against putting an asterisk by Barry Bonds' name?
    Baseball and Steroids
    Stephen C
  • yelixref2 May 8, 2009 @ 5:28 am | delete
    Its a good lens and informative.
  • Sexy-Halloween-Costumes May 7, 2009 @ 3:08 pm | delete
    I can only reiterate what others have said and what you must well know yourself by now . . . you've "done Jackie Robinson proud."
  • bluehawk May 7, 2009 @ 8:00 am | delete
    Great lens! I would have never known! 5* drill :)
  • trends12 May 6, 2009 @ 2:21 pm | delete
    This a great lens and tribute to a great legend. Thanks
  • appelonia May 5, 2009 @ 11:49 am | delete
    Congratulations on becoming lens of the day. You put a lot of work into this and it shows. I enjoy going through it.
    Thanks!
  • Wysiwigs May 5, 2009 @ 5:47 am | delete
    Wonderful lens ~ chock full of great information :o) Congratulations on LOTD!
    www.squidoo.com/EpicFarms
  • LostwithoutTommie May 4, 2009 @ 8:57 pm | delete
    Great Lens, very informative. One of the best lens I've seen yet!
  • thinkPhD May 4, 2009 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    I learned so much about Jackie Robinson today. Thank you for sharing your excellent lens - and congrats on being Lens of the Day!
  • May 4, 2009 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    Well done lens! Can't find a better candidate to create a lens around.
  • guitar-for-dummies May 3, 2009 @ 4:42 am | delete
    Many thanks for sharing such a great resource. What an amazing man! Lens of the day, well deserved!
  • Trixilly May 1, 2009 @ 2:05 am | delete
    What a beautiful job you've done with this lens! I love your layout.
  • Greekgeek Apr 30, 2009 @ 10:34 am | in reply to Lori_Lee-Ray | delete
    Wow! And you just made my day! There have been many great and kind comments on this lens, but I gotta hand it to your Nanny. I hope I make it to my last game at 87!
  • pennymoore Apr 29, 2009 @ 3:21 pm | delete
    I love this lens! Totally deserves Lens of the Day!
  • Lori_Lee-Ray Apr 28, 2009 @ 10:34 pm | delete
    Great lense! I read it to my grandmother, who is 92 and an avid baseball fan. She's gone to all of her grandkids games and almost all of her great-grandkids' games. She went to her last game at the age of 87. She remembers when Jackie Robinson started! Great work, thank you for sharing! "That just made my day!" (what Nanny said after I read it to her)
  • JaguarJulie Apr 28, 2009 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    Ellen -- what a remarkable person Jackie Robinson was! Wonderful job on masterfully creating this lens my dear.
  • 2Eklectik Apr 26, 2009 @ 8:54 pm | delete
    We love baseball and it's history. Thank you for a great lens!
  • Apr 24, 2009 @ 9:13 pm | delete
    Very good lens!!!
  • ANJHAMBROOK Apr 24, 2009 @ 6:47 pm | delete
    A very big truth. I have learnt something today , Thankyou
  • papawu Apr 24, 2009 @ 4:57 pm | delete
    I believe he was a phenomenol example of what one man can do to impact the world around him. By no means did he do it by himself, but he sure left his mark in history and baseball. Well done and a great read.
  • sorana Apr 24, 2009 @ 9:00 am | delete
    What an inspiration. Great lens and very interesting.
  • CherylK Apr 24, 2009 @ 12:25 am | delete
    You did a beautiful job on this lens. You've told an important story about a special person. Congratulations on LOTD...very well deserved!
  • taliamurphy Apr 23, 2009 @ 8:49 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing. What a well put together and informative lens.!
  • getmoney2 Apr 22, 2009 @ 2:24 am | delete
    what a great lens looks professional great job
  • LoganDWilliams Apr 22, 2009 @ 1:08 am | delete
    This lens is just the inspiration I need to get going... Thanks!
  • mountainbikes Apr 21, 2009 @ 10:13 am | delete
    Excellent lens with great valuable content. Very interesting.
  • AppalachianCountry Apr 20, 2009 @ 1:07 pm | delete
    Nice lens. We are baseball fans and knew alot about Mr. Robinson but you gave us so much more. Thank-you.
  • JefMenguin Apr 20, 2009 @ 11:52 am | delete
    I am inspired by this lense. thanks!
  • dmf32835 Apr 19, 2009 @ 8:55 pm | delete
    This lens was a great choice for lens of the day. It really commemorates Jackie Robinson well.
  • Kate-Phizackerley Apr 19, 2009 @ 6:08 pm | delete
    How biog lenses should be
  • Apr 18, 2009 @ 11:59 pm | delete
    Congratulations! LOTD!
    I am sooooo over the moon happy for you!
  • majorp80 Apr 18, 2009 @ 9:32 pm | delete
    I've heard about him before, but I learned a lot from this lens.
    Jackie Robinson was truly a great man. :)

    Greetings from Norway
  • kiwisoutback Apr 18, 2009 @ 3:20 pm | delete
    Great work Greekgeek! I just added it to the History of Lens of the Day lens. Congratulations on lens of the day!
  • Miguelito203 Apr 18, 2009 @ 2:09 pm | delete
    I'm not that into baseball, but as an African American, this makes me really proud! Absolutely fantastic job! 5 stars, favored, and bookmarked! You should do more. Roberto Clemente would be an interesting one, especially being that he was a black Latino. Once more, great job! Keep up the good work! Thank you!
  • Sadheeskumar Apr 18, 2009 @ 12:36 pm | delete
    This lens is good enough to be selected for lens of the day. Good work and Congrats.
  • ForexHelpDesk Apr 18, 2009 @ 11:51 am | delete
    Really good looking lens.
  • Pastiche Apr 18, 2009 @ 8:57 am | delete
    Superb lens, and a fitting tribute to one of America's finest role models and sportsmen. Congrats on well-earned LOTD. Can we nominate for LOTY?
  • Cop-Speak Apr 18, 2009 @ 12:41 am | delete
    I love this lens; what a beautiful story...
  • Greekgeek Apr 17, 2009 @ 10:38 pm | in reply to Evelyn_Saenz | delete
    Evelyn-- isn't that a great picture?! It shouldn't matter what people look like, but I have to admit, I look at that photo of Jackie and Rachel and their son and go, "Wow, what a beautiful-looking family." Rachel's still beautiful, too-- a fine looking silver-haired lady now, still sharp and smart. (Some of the Jackie Robinson Day photos in my gallery show her.)

    DragonFlyGreen -- I never used to like sports either, so I hear ya! But Jackie's story is so much more than baseball, as you see. I'm not African-American, so I can only admire him as a fellow American. I'd be glad if this page can give some African-Americans a special feeling of pride and a bit more of a sense of what happened to get us where we are today.
    In some ways I'll be GLAD when African Americans can't really imagine what Jackie went through for them... it will show we live in a different world! But we should still remember. And alas, we haven't realized MLK's dream yet. But we're closer.
  • DragonflyGreen49 Apr 17, 2009 @ 7:04 pm | delete
    I am not into sports at all, but I must thank you for making this lens. I enjoyed it very much. I don't like to read autobiographies of any kind but this was just what I need to learn something about the African Americans who have came before me to teach me something about my heritage. Again I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. 5 enthusiastic stars! I just wish I could give you more.
  • Tipi Apr 17, 2009 @ 6:27 pm | delete
    What a story behind this man, I never knew 1/2 of this.
    A beautiful lenses and Congrats on LOTD! - Susie
  • wachioplus Apr 17, 2009 @ 3:00 pm | delete
    I LOVE THIS HERO !

    WELL DONE ! COOL!

    THANKS.
  • dc64 Apr 17, 2009 @ 1:03 pm | delete
    What a dynamic story! You've laid out for us a beautiful and fitting tribute to a man who had to break through so many barriers to live his dream. Congrats on a well deserved Lens of the Day.
  • Evelyn_Saenz Apr 17, 2009 @ 12:38 pm | delete
    Congratulations on Lens of the Day!

    I have never been interested in Baseball but you even got me reading this lens. Thank you for all the work you put into it.

    I love the picture of Jackie and Rachel. What a lovely looking couple!
  • fred999 Apr 17, 2009 @ 10:29 am | delete
    Hey Greekgeek, great article, good research and footage. I would like to use it on my sports blog at some point if thats ok. My blog is http://allsportsontheweb.com.
    Walt AKA All Sports on the Web
    All Sports on the Web
  • Mountainside-Crochet Apr 17, 2009 @ 10:28 am | delete
    Hi - I've now lensrolled this lens to mine to go along with my Crazy about Baseball personal story. I'd like to put the link to this lens under my baseball story on my lensography if I could figure out how to do it :-). I'm such a 'newbie' :).
  • Mountainside-Crochet Apr 17, 2009 @ 10:23 am | delete
    Fantastic lens on this outstanding and courageous baseball player who withstood much so that other wonderful baseball players could be who they are today. I'm a huge baseball fan, but even if I weren't, I would be impressed with Jackie Robinson.

    Congratulations on LotD. It's a well deserved honor for this excellent lens.

    Did you know that besides ALL baseball players wearing #42 on April 15th this year, and even though the #42 is now retired, there is still one active player wearing the #42 - grandfathered in before the official retirement of the number - and that is Mariano Rivira, one of my all time favorite pitchers, the current closer for the NY Yankees! I know he's honored to wear Jackie's number 42. 5* and more!
  • reycarr Apr 17, 2009 @ 8:41 am | delete
    Prior to one game Jackie received a telephone call that brought him to his tipping point. He was so devastated he couldn't concentrate on the game and struck out with the bases loaded. In another inning he made a fielding error. The crowd escalated their obscenities.

    Pee Wee Reese, the white, Dodger's shortstop from Kentucky and Jackie's teammate called a time-out. Pee Wee put his arm around Robinson and said, "Jackie, let me tell you something. I believe in you. You are the greatest ballplayer I have ever seen. You can do it. I know that. And I know something else: One of these days you are going into the Hall of Fame. So, hold your head up high and play ball like only you can do it." Robinson was uplifted by those words and went on to deliver the game-winning hit for his team.

    Many years later when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Robinson recalled that day on the field with Pee Wee. "He saved my life and my career that day. I had lost my confidence, and Pee Wee picked me up with his words of encouragement. He gave me hope when all hope was gone."
  • ShelbieD Apr 17, 2009 @ 8:08 am | delete
    What a great lens! I LOVE the photos! Good job!
  • ClaudetteKeith Apr 17, 2009 @ 7:44 am | delete
    Great LENSE.
    congrats on the lense of the week
    Claudette
  • AlfredFernandes Apr 17, 2009 @ 7:15 am | delete
    A highly informative great lens, deserves more than 5 stars.
  • Globalfriends Apr 17, 2009 @ 4:07 am | delete
    This a great story, Wow!
  • Retired-Cop Apr 17, 2009 @ 1:04 am | delete
    This is a very nice tribute to a Great Player and a wonderful guy! 5 Stars from me!
  • Greekgeek Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:08 pm | in reply to BLEVE | delete
    "I think one of the most interesting women players is Alta Weiss who played PROFESSIONAL baseball on a men's team in Ohio starting in 1917. She played for 15 seasons and managed to put herself through medical school with her earnings."
    BLEVE, I actually haven't been a baseball fan that many years, and have NOT heard about Alta Weiss before. I was keenly aware while putting together part of this lens that I was using phrases like all men are created equal, which is still missing part of the picture. It didn't seem the right place to comment on that. But you've just given me someone I definitely need to look up, and a book I should definitely track down and read! Thank you very much! (Who knows, maybe it'll turn into a lens.. .or maybe you could, since you know her story better? Please let me know if you do... I'd be happy to feature it!)
  • Greekgeek Apr 16, 2009 @ 10:42 pm | in reply to TheWhistler | delete
    TheWhistler -- AH! Thank you! I think I knew that the first time I put this page together, then got confused when I was doing a recent rewrite, trying to track down why he was wearing a Royals uniform in some of the photos I used.

    Lemme fix that. Thanks very much for the correction!
  • clouda9 Apr 16, 2009 @ 9:25 pm | delete
    Well deserved LOTD! You have shown us all how to really make a lens here on Squidoo. Thank you and congrats!
  • Apr 16, 2009 @ 9:15 pm | delete
    Wow!!! I would give it 200 stars if I could :)
  • EagleScoutMom Apr 16, 2009 @ 8:33 pm | delete
    Amazing, wonderful lens ! Tonight was picture night and the first night my foster son got to wear his brand new Little League uniform. Our Opening Day and Parade is this Saturday 4/18/09. Reading this lens has been such an eye-opener for me. I go into this baseball season with a whole new perspective on the history of the game and on this wonderful American hero, Jackie Robinson. You did an awesome job telling his story ! Congrats on LOTD !!!
  • MattTaylor Apr 16, 2009 @ 8:20 pm | delete
    Very nice! I liked the way you presented the material so that anyone would be interested...

    Thank you,

    Matt
  • DAD1104 Apr 16, 2009 @ 7:09 pm | delete
    .and today we recall Harry Kalas, the voice of Philadelphia, who spoke of the Jackie days often in the course of the season. Rest your voice now Harry.
  • Ener-G Apr 16, 2009 @ 6:58 pm | delete
    Congrats on this LOTD...well deserved! What a beautiful lens and topic.
  • larrybla Apr 16, 2009 @ 6:15 pm | delete
    Sometimes when we face adversity and still persevere through it can we understand what it means to be a whole human being. Muhammed Ali is one of my heroes who had the same tenacity as Jackie Robinson. We can all learn from these historical figures regardless of race, gender, disability etc. Thanks for bringing this message about Mr. Robinson to us.
  • TopStyleTravel Apr 16, 2009 @ 5:48 pm | delete
    Great tribute and a labor of love, 5 stars. Congrats on the Top 100!
  • Diamond_Wizard Apr 16, 2009 @ 4:47 pm | delete
    Wow! This is a great history lesson!
  • ShortSaleRealtor Apr 16, 2009 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    Great lens hi 5 for you..
  • ArtGlass Apr 16, 2009 @ 3:25 pm | delete
    Great Lens on Jackie Robinson.., and Congrats on Lens of the Day!!
  • Rob3 Apr 16, 2009 @ 3:18 pm | delete
    Congratulations on LotD! What a fabulous read and so well written on such an inspirational man. The layout is exemplary, well done! 5*
  • DavidVLynn Apr 16, 2009 @ 2:49 pm | delete
    I loved the lens, that was a fitting memorial for an amazing man. I hope we never forget what he did for everyone.
  • Heather426 Apr 16, 2009 @ 2:20 pm | delete
    great lens, great subject! 5* and congrats on LOTD.
  • KimGiancaterino Apr 16, 2009 @ 12:34 pm | delete
    Wonderful tribute... Squid Angel Blessed.
  • BLEVE Apr 16, 2009 @ 12:27 pm | delete
    Dear Ellen,

    This lens is truly a great tribute to a great American. You certainly spent a lot of time researching your subject and your writing is a pleasure to read.

    Since you are a baseball fan, you probably don't neglect all the women who attempted to break the gender barrier in the sport. I think one of the most interesting women players is Alta Weiss who played PROFESSIONAL baseball on a men's team in Ohio starting in 1917. She played for 15 seasons and managed to put herself through medical school with her earnings. (You can read more about her in YOU CAN'T PLAY BALL IN A SKIRT which is available at http://www.edenvalleyenterprises.org/bkscrdt.html#alta)

    Thanks for putting a spotlight on this deserving American Hero!
  • JenOfChicago Apr 16, 2009 @ 12:06 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens!
  • Educator_With_a_Heart Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:58 am | delete
    Beautiful lens in so many ways. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story in such a thorough and heartwarming way. 5 stars and then some!
  • RunwayModels Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:56 am | delete
    I have learned even more about Jackie Robinson thanks to this lens and I am grateful to you for providing the info.

    What a hero he was!

    Ted

    http://www.squidoo.com/runwaymodelz
  • 0ctavias0fferings Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:46 am | delete
    A truly excellent lens, well deserving of LOTD 5* and a sprinkling of Angel Dust
  • AdriennePetersen Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:28 am | delete
    Great lens, 5 stars and congrats on LOTD...well deserved!
  • chefkeem Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:24 am | delete
    Important piece of history that should interest the whole world. I grew up in Germany and didn't really know anything about this great man until I came to the States in 1981. Congratulations on LotD, Greekgeek! 5*s and a hearty SquidAngel Blessing. :-)
  • AllChildsPlay Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:13 am | delete
    Very well done. I had just added a little Jackie Robinson blurp to my own lens yesterday (after spending a good part of the day reading about him on the web). Glad Squidoo nominated you-may not have found this lens otherwise.
  • rms Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:12 am | delete
    congrats on LotD! Really nice work!
  • Joan4 Apr 16, 2009 @ 9:35 am | delete
    Excellent lens about a true American hero! Congratulations on Lens of the Day!
  • drifter0658 Apr 16, 2009 @ 9:24 am | delete
    What a fantastic birthday gift to give back to the world. Jackie was a hero of mine when I was a child, as well as Jesse Owens. Few people in history can defy their 'tormentors', as you so aptly put it, and persevere.

    Kudos on yet another wonderful lens and the icing of LOTD to go on that cake.

    Thanks!
  • d-artist Apr 16, 2009 @ 8:18 am | delete
    congratulations on LOTD! great lens and writing!...5*
  • stony446 Apr 16, 2009 @ 7:26 am | delete
    Alex Haley once said:

    "In every conceivable manner the family is the link to our past , and the bridge to our future. "

    It is nice to see Professional Baseball recognize the past thought the present players.
  • TheGreenerMe Apr 16, 2009 @ 6:43 am | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD! Nicely done.
  • spirituality Apr 16, 2009 @ 2:50 am | delete
    Congrats on a very well deserved LOTD - & blessed by a squidangel too.
  • schofieldml Apr 16, 2009 @ 2:40 am | delete
    Thank you for all the time you put into making this lens about one of the greatest baseball heroes of all time. I really enjoyed the videos you included. This lense is defiantly getting a 5* from me.
  • Greekgeek Apr 16, 2009 @ 2:26 am | delete
    I'm afraid I emailed it to LOTD a couple weeks ago (it had been nominated by others in the past, according to clickout stats) in hopes of raising awareness of Jackie Robinson Day and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Megan, bless her, did indeed let it be Lens of the Day for April 15th this year! I'm so glad -- thank you, Megan, and thank you to everyone who's commented! I dedicate it with love to Jackie and Rachel Robinson. The more I've learned about them these last few years, the more I've come to regard them both as heroes.
  • Apr 16, 2009 @ 12:23 am | delete
    Enjoyed this immensely a terriffic read and a lot of very detailed work.Most certainly a worthy L.O.T.D
    Regards
    Paul
  • ZBT Apr 15, 2009 @ 11:42 pm | delete
    Love the pictures. Love the content. Love the lens! Ya done good. Yesiree... a great lens here. Congratulations on LOTD! You seriously deserve it.
  • TheWhistler Apr 15, 2009 @ 11:38 pm | delete
    I could be wrong but the "Montreal Royals" were not in theNegro League. The Montreal Royals were a minor league professional baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec, that existed from 1897-1917 and from 1928-60 as a member of the International League and its progenitor, the original Eastern League. The Royals are most famous as the top farm club (Class AAA beginning in 1946) of the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers from 1939 to 1960.

    The team holds a unique place in baseball history for being the first major-league affiliate to break the so-called "baseball color barrier". On October 23, 1945, two members of the Brooklyn National League Baseball Club Inc. Board of Directors, Montreal Royals owner and team president, Hector Racine, and Brooklyn Dodgers general manager, Branch Rickey, signed Jackie Robinson, an African-American. Robinson played with the Royals during the 1946 season. John Wright and Roy Partlow, black pitchers, also played with the Royals that year.
  • a_willow Apr 15, 2009 @ 11:07 pm | delete
    Excellent lens Ellen! As always I might add! :) Congrats on LoTD! Well deserved!
  • OhMe Apr 15, 2009 @ 10:31 pm | in reply to Graceonline | delete
    Congrats on a well deserved LOTD. This is awesome.
  • GrowWear Apr 15, 2009 @ 10:20 pm | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD! Stellar lens. ..Beyond stellar!
  • Graceonline Apr 11, 2009 @ 7:27 pm | delete
    I just spent two heartbreaking, heartwarming, uplifting and totally satisfying hours reading this lens, following links and watching the videos. Thank you for building this lens. Thank you too for the integrity you evidence in citing your sources and crediting the images you used. Has this been designated a LOTD yet? If not, it should be. I'll nominate it. If any other lensmasters reading this comment agree, please join me.
  • unique_freak77 Apr 7, 2009 @ 7:33 pm | delete
    Great lens! You're a great writer, it was a really interesting read. Happy birthday! :)
  • Apr 7, 2009 @ 12:05 pm | delete
    Great lens and a happy bday! 5*
  • BevsPaper Apr 7, 2009 @ 11:09 am | delete
    Superbly done. This wonderful man still brings inspiration to so many people. Not just in sports but has human beings as a whole.
  • Laniann Apr 7, 2009 @ 9:29 am | delete
    A nice tribute to a man that has given inspiration to many to go forward and do great things. You did a good job with your lens. 5*s and I Favorite It.
  • hlkljgk Apr 7, 2009 @ 9:17 am | delete
    well done. great looking and informative lens. happy birthday!
  • sittonbull Apr 7, 2009 @ 9:13 am | delete
    JR was an incredible athlete and an even more incredible man who paved the way for other black athletes and served is a pioneer... who blazed through the barriers of adversity. His memory stands today as a model for us all of the kind of Inspiration and Determination that gives great meaning to life. This lens will be added to the plexo and lensrolled to my lens on Inspiration and Determination! Great Job! Also fanned, favored and starred. Happy Birthday!
  • Spook Apr 7, 2009 @ 4:31 am | delete
    I just dropped by to wish you a Happy Birthday. A great lens and very well thought out and presented. It's a great pity that there are not more men in todays world with this mans dignity.
  • Mar 25, 2009 @ 5:14 pm | delete
    Still an inspiration. Thanks.
  • lisadh Mar 10, 2009 @ 6:19 pm | delete
    Great lens on a great man. You're now a featured lens on the group Fascinating Folks.
  • Amanda_Blue Feb 28, 2009 @ 10:24 pm | delete
    Another stunning lens by you about a magnificent man, and I agree, "it is [well] worth remembering what Jackie Robinson endured and the lesson he taught America." Where did he find such restraint?! Thank you for this moving mix of thoughts, images and history. 5* of course!
  • Liam_Tohms Feb 10, 2009 @ 5:39 am | delete
    Great page, great content. 5*
  • Chip_Westley May 8, 2008 @ 4:23 pm | delete
    I'm glad to see Jackie Robinson getting the tribute he deserves from Major League Baseball. Greekgeek, your Dodgers are looking awfully tough this year. All the best, Chip
  • jeffwend Apr 18, 2008 @ 12:54 am | delete
    Truly a legend, blessings
  • hip kid2 Nov 8, 2007 @ 2:47 pm | delete
    he was the best player that has ever been a nigro player
  • Christene Sep 14, 2007 @ 7:39 pm | delete
    Blessed by a SquidAngel
  • rms Sep 14, 2007 @ 7:01 pm | delete
    Great lens for a great man!
  • sonia_simone Sep 14, 2007 @ 6:37 pm | delete
    Brava! Five stars! Excellent lens.
  • SemperFidelis Sep 11, 2007 @ 7:53 am | delete
    I was considering creating a SquidWho lens on Jackie Robinson, but after reading this fine lens, I am a bit intimidated! Great job and a 5 to you! :o)
  • jeffwend Sep 10, 2007 @ 3:23 pm | delete
    Truly a hero and one of the best baseball players of all time.
  • MrNoodles Aug 22, 2007 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    Great lens, Jackie Robinson was truly a great american, and changed the face of baseball forever.
  • GypsyPirate Aug 4, 2007 @ 2:18 pm | delete
    GreekGeek - no critique from here. I just wanted to congratulate on a very well written and informative lens that touched me. Thanks you for taking the time to remind me what a great man Jackie Robinson was.
  • bdkz Jun 8, 2007 @ 9:36 pm | delete
    Great Lens!
  • AllThingsMichigan Jun 4, 2007 @ 4:50 pm | delete
    Great job! Excellent lens, thanks for sharing such a wonderful topic.
  • flaminglacer Jun 4, 2007 @ 3:03 pm | delete
    Squid Angel Star

by

Greekgeek

Storyteller, former Latin teacher, student of mythology and the ancient world: I've worn many hats, but always I've dabbled in computers and the web.

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