For all of the amazing outputs the world of sports gives us, there are few that crystallize the wonderment of the human form doing what previously seemed inconceivable like a signature move. To clarify when I say signature move, I mean an in-game play, not a celebration. (Sorry discount double-check.) No matter how often we see it from our favorite athletes, it fills us with a genuine excitement as we witness them doing an act that in one way clearly separates them from us and in another way bonds us to them forever. These moments take on so many forms, it would be impossible to categorize even a 10th of them. But we saw it in Muhammad Ali's dazzlingly footwork, in the ferociousness of Mike Tyson's uppercuts, the range of Derek Jeter's jump throw, the unpredictableness of Barry Sanders' cutbacks, the unstoppable grace of Kareem Abdul Jabbar's skyhook, even in the growing legend of Stephen Curry lethal and distance-defying jump shot. Each of the plays (signature moves) along with many others both amazes and inspires us. However, I would suggest that another less remarked about signature move belongs in the same hollow halls right along with the rest; Jackie Robinson stealing home.
As we celebrate one of the most revered anniversaries in Major League Baseball and society at large, Jackie Robinson breaking MLB's color barrier -- also known as Jackie Robinson Day -- let's look at one Robinson' boldest moves. As transcend of baseball player as Robinson was he did not in any way originate stealing home base. The risky play goes back to the very beginning of the game. Robinson, who entered the big leagues at the advance age of 28, certainly was not the speedster that he was as a four-sport standout at the University of California, Los Angles (UCLA). However, Robinson's supreme understanding of the game helped the Hall of Famer snag double digits stolen bases in nine seasons of his 10-year career. But the 19 stolen home plates is still an extraordinary feat all until itself. It is well documented the kind of treatment Robinson received from the very start of his Major League career, constantly and relentlessly being the target of verbal and physical attacks. We also know that Robinson rarely retaliated.
For a second let's think about the fact that Robinson was arguably the most watched/scrutinized person in sports, and still, 19 different times he stood 90 feet from the goal, he found a way to nab the prize while everyone watched. It is not a stretch to wrap Robinson playing "America's Game" in politics. A major reason why we remember and admire Robinson to this day is because of the profound message his presence and success meant to this nation. Highlighting Robinson's 19 stolen home bags is a physical reminder of his and many like him determination to strive for the goal despite the apparent risk and long odds. Not all of Robinson's attempts were successful, though the partial statistics gathered suggest he was more successful than not. When he was caught it is reasonable to believe that there were plenty who questioned everything about him and the play. Still what Robinson showed is the risk of not achieving the ultimate goal should never prevent us from its purist even at great cost. Arguably Robinson most notable home plate steal did not get his team their desired result.
Game one of the 1995 World Series pitted Robinson Brooklyn Dodger against there then crosstown rival the New York Yankees. The Yankees who had won the pennant in 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953 were the favorites boasting a roster with five future Hall of Famers. Game one was a close contest with neither team able to secure a clear advantage. It was the top of the eighth inning, the Dodgers were behind 4-6 and Robinson reached first on an error. From there a sacrifice fly out landed Robinson on third with two outs; perennial All-Stars pitcher Whitey Ford and catcher Yogi Berra stood between Robinson and a possible game-changing play. To this day the call is still highly contested but what the video shows is some masterful base running from Robinson. He was called safe by Umpire Bill Summers, the play would become legendary for all the dramatics and characters involved; Berra would contend to the end of his long life that Robinson was out. As major as the play was it did not turn the tide of that particular game even though Robinson and the Dodger would prevail in seven. The message writ large is give your all and even if you are temporary delayed you will not be completely denied.
As we continue to celebrate all that Jack Roosevelt Robinson stood for within the chalked lines of the baseball diamond and outside of them, we are called to question how much progress we have made. What we can say for sure is during his brief but spectacular career and life, Robinson was understanding of the risk, but focused doggedly on attaining the highest reward for himself and others. That unflinching pursuit is why Robinson has been lionized as a trailblazer. Here is to all of us finding a goal and being darling enough to swipe it if necessary.