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TLS, one page, 8.5 x 10.5, Brooklyn National League Baseball Club letterhead, May 15, 1949. Letter to John Washington of Brooklyn, New York, in part: "I have read with interest your kind letter of April 19, and wanted to sincerely thank you for your support. It means a great deal to me when I hear from young people facing the same problems which I have faced. To answer your question, yes, I did feel a great deal of pressure. And I did realize that future opportunities for Negroes would be effected by my performance and success. I am thankful that I was given this opportunity by Mr. Rickey, and I am proud to be a part of such a fine ballclub. I am sorry that I did not have time to speak with you on the day you mentioned. I am hoping this letter will make it up to you. Thank you again for supporting me, and the Dodgers." In very good to fine condition, with light toning and fading from prior display, and the signature several shades light.
Jackie Robinson made history in 1947 when he became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, joining Branch Rickey's Brooklyn Dodgers. His debut ended decades of racial segregation in professional baseball, which had confined Black players to the Negro Leagues. Robinson faced relentless racism from fans, opponents, and even teammates, but persevered with courage and exceptional talent—in 1949, he took home the National League's MVP honors after leading the league in batting average (.342) and stolen bases (37). His trailblazing success not only changed baseball forever but also became pivotal in the progress of the American civil rights movement.
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