LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 15, 2013, as Jackie Robinson Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is with noble admiration and pride that this Legislative
Body joyfully pays just recognition to those respected athletes whose
bravery, skill and quiescent dignity brought extraordinary humanity to
both the game of baseball and society, contributing to the integration
of that sport; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 15, 2013, as Jackie Robinson Day in
the State of New York, and to commemorate the 66th Anniversary of Jackie
Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball; and
WHEREAS, On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-
American to play in a Major League Baseball game, when he started at
first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers against the Boston Braves; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, Jack Roosevelt
Robinson, or Jackie as he was known, was raised along with his four
brothers and sisters by his mother in Pasadena, California; and
WHEREAS, An athlete of outstanding physical skills with a burning,
single-minded desire for victory, Jackie Robinson attended the Universi-
ty of California, Los Angeles, where he won an unprecedented four varsi-
ty letters in four different sports: track, football, baseball and
basketball; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, Jackie Robinson enlisted in the United
States Army where he rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant and was
honorably discharged after two years; and
WHEREAS, After leaving the Army, Jackie Robinson began playing with
the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro National League; he was later
signed to a major league baseball contract by Branch Rickey and assigned
to the Dodgers' Montreal farm team of the International League in 1946;
and
WHEREAS, At the age of 28, Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers
of the National League and led the team to its first pennant since 1941;
during the season, he hit .297, scored 125 runs, and led the league in
stolen bases with 29, and was named Rookie of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Instrumental in leading the Dodgers to six World Series
appearances in 10 years, Jackie Robinson was named Most Valuable Player
in 1949, when he led the league in batting and stolen bases; and
WHEREAS, Jackie Robinson retired from baseball in 1957 and was elected
to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, in 1962, a
fitting climax to an illustrious career that triumphed over adversity
and led the way for other African-American baseball players to emulate;
and
WHEREAS, On June 4, 1972, the Dodgers retired his No. 42 uniform in
on-field ceremonies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California; all of
Major League Baseball saluted him in 1997, on the 50th Anniversary of
his breaking the color barrier, and retired his number permanently from
the game; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend individ-
uals of historical significance who have contributed to the richness and
ethnic diversity of the history of New York State and our Nation; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 15, 2013, as
Jackie Robinson Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New

York; Rachel Robinson, wife of Jackie Robinson; Dr. Marion Wilson, Prin-
cipal, P.S. 375, Jackie Robinson Elementary School; and Beverly Newsome,
President, Ebbet's Field Tenants Association.