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Why Jackie Robinson Preferred Hank Aaron As MLB’s 1st Black Manager, And Opposed Ernie Banks
The man who broke baseball’s color barrier had strong thoughts about who should and shouldn’t be the first Black manager
For decades, racial issues plagued Major League Baseball, with a significant delay in even allowing the first Black player to participate, and an even longer wait for the hiring of its first manager of color. Jackie Robinson, the trailblazer who broke the player color barrier, was well known for his outspoken advocacy. As a result, his words held weight and continued to resonate even after his retirement from the game. In 1969, Robinson gave an interview that gained significant attention, as he explained why he preferred future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron to become the first Black man to lead a team, and opposed Ernie Banks (who would also later be inducted in Cooperstown) for such a role.
Robinson broke the color barrier when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Over the course of a decade with the team, he batted a combined .311. and showcased his versatility as a player, swatting 137 home runs and stealing 197 bases. He won a rookie of the Year award and an MVP, also earning spots on seven All Star teams. Beyond the numbers, he became well regarded for his…
