We know there will be a Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan. We know the public opening will be soon. "Check back in September 2022 for updates on our public opening."
There is a lot that goes into the life and legacy when you explore the museum's Web site.
"The museum celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the most important Americans of the 20th century, chronicling his trailblazing achievements against the backdrop of United States history. Invoking Robinson's role as a champion for racial, social, and economic equality, the Museum's programming places an emphasis on dialogue around critical issues that continue to challenge our society."
The life of Jackie Robinson has been covered in The Jackie Robinson Story (1950) and 42 (2013). You would think you would have a really good idea about the story of Jackie Robinson. Yet both films have a missing chapter.
Jackie Robinson's path to the Brooklyn Dodgers is guided in great part for the time Robinson spent with the 1946 Montréal Royals.
By all accounts, Robinson and his young wife Rachel were treated rather well in Montréal, not as much during road games.
Jackie Robinson was honoured at the 2022 MLB All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Oscar winner Denzel Washington paid tribute to Robinson. 2022 marks 75 years since Robinson made his MLB debut and 50 years since Robinson passed away. As Los Angeles Dodgers all star Mookie Betts pointed out, "It's Miss Rachel Robinson's 100th birthday. So on the count of three, I want everybody in here to say, 'Happy birthday, Rachel.'" The crowd obliged.
Rachel Robinson is the connection back to those days in Montréal.
Having opened its doors last Friday, the Jackie Robinson Museum seeks to bring people from all walks together to commune and appreciate each other’s humanity and diverse experiences. Enjoy a glimpse of the ribbon cutting ceremony led by Emmy Award winner @RobinRoberts pic.twitter.com/QyNcQVhWpZ
— Jackie Robinson Foundation (@JRFoundation) August 2, 2022
"Learn details of Robinson’s five months in the Negro Leagues and his signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers’ AAA farm team in 1946 and with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Meet his teammates, see game-worn uniforms, and imagine Robinson’s daring and captivating style of play."
This doesn't say "Montréal Royals" and likely is literally about actual signings of contracts.
This chapter has been mysteriously missing for a number of reasons:
- Actual good treatments of the Robinsons in Montréal confuses the straight-ahead story of what Robinson experienced outside Canada.
- Minor leagues are not major leagues.
- Canadian history is not something Americans want to know.
- Canada is not the United States.
Museums are set up to give more detail for elements that aren't easily explained. Robinson's story with the 1946 Montréal Royals is worthy of a small wing in a Jackie Robinson Museum. We don't get the impression that this will be a part of the museum but would love to be proven wrong.
Kamala Harris, Jackie Robinson, and their association with Montreal
Montreal has more than a supporting role in 42
Jackie Robinson's Montréal apartment honored by Canada and United States
The Jackie Robinson Museum is at One Hudson Square Building, 75 Varick Street in New York City, near the Canal Street subway stop. The phone number is (866) 454-3772. The museum is only open Thursdays-Sundays 11 am to 6 pm. The Web site points out that there are "Timed-entry tickets only. Advance ticket reservations recommended."
CanadianCrossing.com MLB coverage
Toronto Blue Jays had a semi-adventurous MLB trade deadline yesterday. Whit Merrifield, an All-Star in 2019 and 2021 with Kansas City, is headed to Canada for RHP Max Castillo, who has pitched for the big league squad, and minor-league second baseman Samad Taylor.
We could see Merrifield helping out George Springer in centre field (Merrifield can also play 2B). The major issue is that Merrifield didn't come to Canada a few weeks back because he isn't vaccinated. That's a big problem unless he is only playing road games for awhile.
The Blue Jays reacquired reliever Anthony Bass, adding reliever Zach Pop (Canadian), and a player to be named later to the Miami Marlins for shortstop prospect Jordan Groshans, who has great potential in the long term.
The team also got RHP spot starter Mitch White from the Los Angeles Dodgers with infielder Alex De Jesus for minor league pitchers Moises Brito and Nick Frasso.
Toronto traded RHP Jeremy Beasley to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations.
photo credit: me
video credit: MLB
Twitter capture: @JRFoundation
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