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WASHINGTON (AP) -- More than half a century after Jackie Robinson broke major league baseball's color barrier, Congress wants to honor him with its highest award.
With bipartisan support, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., introduced a bill on Wednesday to give the late Brooklyn Dodger a Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to civil rights and sports. The bill proposes designating a national day to recognize Robinson's accomplishments.
Reps. Richard Neal, D-Mass., and Peter King, R-N.Y., introduced similar legislation in the House.
Robinson, a four-sport star at UCLA, ended decades of segregation in the major leagues when he broke in April 15, 1947. He retired after 10 years, six pennants and one World Series with the Dodgers and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962. He died in 1972.
"Throughout his years with the Dodgers, he faced constant abuse and pressure," said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. "But the more he was taunted and threatened and harassed, the more he let his superb performance on the field speak for itself."
Robinson played all but three games his first season "despite threats on his life, the weight of a people on his shoulders and racist taunts," said his daughter, Sharon.
On the 50th anniversary of his major league debut, the league retired his No. 42.
Since George Washington received the first Congressional Gold Medal in 1776, Congress has bestowed the honor on some 300 people, including Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Rosa Parks and President and Nancy Reagan.
With bipartisan support, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., introduced a bill on Wednesday to give the late Brooklyn Dodger a Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to civil rights and sports. The bill proposes designating a national day to recognize Robinson's accomplishments.
Reps. Richard Neal, D-Mass., and Peter King, R-N.Y., introduced similar legislation in the House.
Robinson, a four-sport star at UCLA, ended decades of segregation in the major leagues when he broke in April 15, 1947. He retired after 10 years, six pennants and one World Series with the Dodgers and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962. He died in 1972.
"Throughout his years with the Dodgers, he faced constant abuse and pressure," said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. "But the more he was taunted and threatened and harassed, the more he let his superb performance on the field speak for itself."
Robinson played all but three games his first season "despite threats on his life, the weight of a people on his shoulders and racist taunts," said his daughter, Sharon.
On the 50th anniversary of his major league debut, the league retired his No. 42.
Since George Washington received the first Congressional Gold Medal in 1776, Congress has bestowed the honor on some 300 people, including Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Rosa Parks and President and Nancy Reagan.
To be honest i dont think he deserves this award.
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