Jackie Robinson and Bob Feller make history
In the 27 years following the first Hall of Fame election in 1936, no first-year candidate had earned a place in Cooperstown.
On Jan. 23, 1962, Bob Feller and Jackie Robinson – two men accustomed to blazing new trails – once again broke new ground, earning Hall of Fame induction in their first try on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America ballot.
Jackie Robinson burst onto the scene in 1947, breaking baseball’s color barrier and bringing the Negro leagues’ electrifying style of play to the Majors. He quickly became baseball’s top drawing card and a symbol of hope to millions of Americans. With Robinson as the catalyst, the Dodgers won six pennants in his 10 seasons. He dominated games on the basepaths, stealing home 19 times while riling opposing pitchers with his daring baserunning style. Robinson was named National League MVP in 1949, leading the loop in hitting (.342) and steals (37), while knocking in 124 runs.
Bob Feller’s blazing fastball set the standard against which all of his successors have been judged. Rapid Robert spent his entire 18-year career with Cleveland, amassing 266 victories and 2,581 strikeouts, while leading the league in strikeouts seven times. He missed nearly four full seasons in his prime serving his country during World War II, for which he was decorated with five campaign ribbons studded with eight battle stars. Fresh from high school, Feller struck out 17 Athletics in 1936. The fireballer authored three no-hitters and 12 one-hitters while winning 20 or more games six times.
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Show Notes & Playlist
Todays show featured audio – Jackie Robinson Hall of Fame Speech
The playlist for members, for both Feller and Robinson are extensive:
Jackie Robinson show has nearly 100 episodes, additionally there are dozen of interviews by and about Robinson
1955 World Series & dozens of games from the 5 other World Series.
Feller also had his own show, there are dozens of his shows, multiple interviews with Bob Elson and others with Feller.
1948 and 1954 World Series featuring the Cleveland Indians
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