Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-04-05

Brooklyn already chronic rst-dvision outfit But the
Dodgers enjoyed such while Jackie
playing inaly at first baSe later at second third and in
left1eld
The Dodgers won in 1s47 which was Robinsons rookie
year. and again 49, and 53. Dick Sisters 10th inning
homer beat them out in the last in 1885, and only
Bobby Thomsons famous clutch homer prevented another
flag in 1851 In the majors Robinson doesn't know what it
Is to finish lower than third place.
THERE HAS BEEN good deal speculation this spring
whether JaceS legs will stand under another hard
season. right knee injured years ago when Robinson
playing in the UCLA backfeld acted up in February
During training Vero Beach, stumbled step
aggravated it. Unmindfu of advice Robinson continued to
play in exhibition games.
got to play" Jackie saying only week ago.
waiting step batting practice Tampa
Look at me-Im getting fat don't play might blow up
like balloon. Anyway, my knee is all right.
players Robinson The book that he
is IS old He looks Older with his gray hair and 21Oodd
pounds Other athletes appreciate the grind the fellow has
been through football track basketball and
baseball star at college, Then played Negro leagues
Ahis course before Branch Hickey introduced the first
acknowledged Negro the majors Little wonder that team
and rivals alike regard Robinson with admiration,
guy member of the Chicago White Sox said
days ago. played the equivalent big league
before he ever became what is called rookie
AS OF THIS MOMENT Robinson the leftelder of the
Dodgers They there year. by direction of
Chuck Dressen SO incorporate Gillian Billy
Coz In the Lineup The new manager Walter Aston has not
fit to transfer Robinson to any other position.
may be the best lefeder in the business Aston
explained but best the Dodgers have got There's
something about the fellow :" Is
There certainly something about Robinson both the
field action begins and at the box office The Grfths
Cavn-w appreciate Robinsons draw anew this
coming Wednesday Thursday when the Dodgers into
the ball park for exhibitions against the Senator'S
AS TRANSFORMING attraction, Robinson all by
himself Jackie is what Ruth used to be- and what Musa
Williams Kiner and Eddie Mathews not The Tampa
based Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Redegs loudly
bemoaned lack of attendance all spring. although weather
conditions far from ideal Once when the Senators
to Tampa fewer than 800 paid attend But couple of days
later Brooklyn to town and by II o'clock in the morning
Negro admirers began fill the stands fast the ticket
sellers could take of them BY time upward Of
1900 the premises and others begging for stand
ing-room rights.
Robinson, not Don Newcombe Campanela nor Junior
Gillian the big attraction The big guy has got made
unfortunately when he's almost done But is he done?
There recollection of conversation with Buzz Bavas
Brooklyn president and Buzz asked what would
happen the Dodgers Robnsons leg wouldn't permit him
to play.
We've got two Others. maybe three who might
fill gap" Bavasi said Weve got Don Thompson, Dick
Williams and Sandy Amoros."
One of might at that All he would have to do is
bat ive-year period additionally Robinson
hit 29 his first two years., play 1876 at five
different positions Jackie did last and pull in enough
customers to doggone close to paying off spring
training expenses.