African-American heroes of our past who sacrificed their lives and careers for the benefit of those to come. Athletes such as Jackie Robinson, Curt Flood, Rube Foster, Althea Gibson, Jack Johnson, Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Kenny Washington.
Despite being the first African-American to break into the minor leagues, fans treated Robinson with respect in Montreal. The city grew to love him, and he, in return, it. However, it was a different story when he went on the road.
Youth organizations such as the CYO were planning to boycott the 1947 season if Durocher managed the team due to the poor example he was providing youths. Despite these issues off the field, Durocher kept plugging for his players not to cause Robinson problems.