America Through Baseball Essay Research Paper The — страница 3

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Russo-American youths looked to Lou Novikoff and Czech-Americans to Elmer Valo (Voigt 11). This gives us a great mirror image of the “Melting Pot,” which has been kept alive through baseball. Even though baseball has supported the great melting pot theory by the acceptance of many ethnic Americans, baseball has a tough time dealing with Black Americans as did the rest of the country. However, in 1946 Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers broke the color barrier in baseball and gave hope to other blacks all over the country. Jackie Robinson became a symbol of racial progress and helped pave the way for other blacks not only in sport but in life as well (Stam and Barrett 56). Robinson was warned by the organization to curb his temper and sit back and take all the racial slurs

that were thrown his way. Many of the southern whites were angry at Major League Baseball, saying “Let’s face it, there are folks down here who just don’t want their kids growing up to admire a Negro” (Voigt 12). As time went on, many learned to accept Robinson, as he went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year. What Jackie Robinson did was bigger than baseball, it was an accomplishment that not only opened the door for blacks in the game, but also opened the eyes of a prejudiced nation. Baseball is a mirror of American culture and its society and that is why it is America’s pastime. Baseball reflects American life, showing us the trends and structure of American character. Yes, baseball has faced many of the same problems as the rest of the country, yet it

has endured and has become one of the only constants in America. Baseball is a part of childhood we don’t have to leave behind, which might explain why it can be as comforting as a crib blanket amid the changes of America (Cataneo 4). The biggest reason for Baseball becoming America’s Pastime is simple: “Baseball’s position in our way of life is due….to its rich history. The fan cherishes memories of ball players of his youth (Guttmann 99).” And even though baseball has had its problems in recent years, many people continue to be faithful to t