42 changed the game.
He became the first Black baseball player to play professionally with white athletes when he stepped onto the field here in Daytona Beach for a minor league exhibition game. I am ashamed of the racism Florida threw at him then (the game had to be moved here after Jacksonville and Sanford refused to allow him to play), but immensely proud of our circa 1914 ballpark--the oldest still in use by a minor league team and now named for him. The history, the facility's charm and its location give The Jack a feel that makes you believe baseball is still the national pastime of a more hopeful country. I like to think it's the spirit of 42 watching over us there.
Margie
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