Wendell Smith quotes from 42 (2013)

Wendell Smith

In 1945, America's greatest generation came back from war. (The flags of freedom fly over Europe.)

Smith

Nazi Germany had been defeated...and three months later, Imperial Japan surrendered as well. (And there's jubilation around this earth.)

Smith

Men returned home. Among them, some of baseball's most beloved names. Musial. DiMaggio. Williams. Life in the United States could return to normal. (TV clip: What's the guy's name? What's on second? Who's on second? Who's on first? I don't know. Third base [audience laughing]

Smith

And baseball was proof positive that democracy was real. A baseball box score, after all, is a democratic thing. It doesn't say how big you are or what religion you follow. It does not know how you voted or the color of your skin. It simply states what kind of ballplayer you were on any particular day. (And he did it. It's a home run. They knew he'd do it.)

Smith

African Americans had served their country gallantly. They returned home from fighting to free the world from tyranny, only to find racism, segregation and Jim Crow laws still waiting at home. (Segregation was the law, and no group was more scrupulous in its observance of custom, than organized baseball.)

Smith

There was a long road ahead. If African Americans dreamed of playing baseball, it was not for the Yankees, but for teams like the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues, where the barnstorming style of play stood in contrast to the Majors. In 1946, there were 16 Major League baseball teams, with a total of 400 players on their rosters. Every one of the 400 players were white. But when opening day came in 1947, that number dropped to 399, and one man stood apart.

Jackie Robinson

What the hell, Wendell?

Wendell Smith

A man came by while you was asleep. He said more men were coming. It might have been those fellas. Mr. Rickey said to get you to Daytona Beach ASAP.

Jackie Robinson

Why didn't you say so?

Wendell Smith

Well, Mr. Rickey was afraid you wouldn't want to leave. You'd want to stay there and fight.

Wendell Smith

Man, what in the hell are you laughing at?

Jackie Robinson

I thought you woke me because, because I was cut from the team.

Jackie Robinson

Taxi!

Wendell Smith

Hey, Jack.

Jackie Robinson

You again.

Wendell Smith

That's right. Me again. There something wrong with that, Jack?

Jackie Robinson

Where's the car?

Wendell Smith

Right this way. [During the drive] They can't keep you in Montreal for long. After these exhibition games, they're gonna have to bring you up. [Robinson remains silent] You don't have two words to rub together, do you?

Wendell Smith

You ever wonder why I sit down behind third base, with my typewriter on my knees? Does that ever cross your mind? It's because Negro reporters aren't allowed in the press box. So guess what? You, Mr. Robinson, are not the only one with something at stake here.

Jackie Robinson

I apologize. You've been there for me through this... ...more than anyone besides Rae and Mr. Rickey. But I guess that's what bothers me.

Wendell Smith

How do you mean?

Jackie Robinson

I don't like needing someone to be there for me. I don't like needing anyone for anything. I never have.

Wendell Smith

You a hard case, Jack Robinson. Hey. Is it okay if I keep driving you, or should I let you get out so you can walk? Hmm? [Robinson signals for him to drive; both chuckle]

Fritz Ostermueller on the mound. He's 12-8 on the season. A big game today in Pittsburgh. A win and the Dodgers will have clinched the National League pennant... ...Yankees having already clinched in the American League. There's bad blood here... ...as Ostermueller beaned Robinson in the head earlier in the season... ...prompting quite a rhubarb at the time. Teams have gone their separate ways since... ...with Ostermueller left standingin the Dodgers' way... ...as they chase the pennant that eluded them last year. Here comes the pitch. And Robinson takes outside. Ball one.

Come on, Fritz, let's get this boy!

You don't belong here. And you never will.

Robinson crowding the plate. Jack hasn't backed down to a pitcher all season.

There you go, Jackie!

You got nothing for him, Ostermueller! But he's got something for you!

Ostermueller winds and throws. Low and away, ball two. Fritz seems to be pitching around Jackie... ...or as they say in the trade, trying to get him to chase. Robinson's having a fine rookie standard... ...batting .301 with 31 doubles and 10 home runs. He has stolen 27 bases this season and has yet to be thrown out attempting. [OSTERMUELLER GRUNTS] Needless to say, Ostermueller being careful with him. (OVER RADIO) It's 3-0 now. Robinson patient, waiting for something he can swing on.

Jackie Robinson

Give me something. Give me something I can hit.

You want it?

Jackie Robinson

What are you afraid of?

Ostermueller looking in for the sign.

Be careful what you ask for, boy.

And here comes the pitch. [CROWD CHEERING] Oh, and that's a deep fly ball to left. Kiner on his horse, I don't think he'll get there. Back, back, back, and... Oh, ho, ho, doctor! Robinson got his pitch! It's a home run. (CHEERING) And barring a miracle comeback... ...the Dodgers are going to the World Series! (ALL CHEERING) He did it, he did it! (CROWD CHEERING) Jack in his home run trot now, and the home crowd here at Forbes... ..recognizing something special when they see it. All the same, I can practically hear the roar...from the heart of Flatbush back in Brooklyn.

Wendell Smith

Robinson rounds third... .headed for home, sweet home.