If it wasn't Jackie Robinson, it could've been my dad

IF IT WASN’T JACKIE ROBINSON, IT COULD’VE BEEN MY DAD

Written by Anthony Lewis

The year is 1947, Dodgers are doing their annual tryouts, and two African American men are sitting on the bench waiting for their shot at being on the team. Jackie Robinson and Anthony L. Lewis. “Good to see another person of color here,” said Jackie. “Man you have no idea,” Anthony said. “I’m Anthony Lewis,” Jackie pulled out his hand shaking Anthony’s hand.

The two talked about their experiences in baseball throughout the whole tryout until it was their turn. “Where’d you grow up?” said Jackie. “I grew up in Toronto, Canada,” Anthony replied. “Oh? So you’re a long way from home, what made you come down here?” said Jackie. “Well, the same reason why you’re here, of course: baseball. Ever since I was a kid baseball was all I thought about and played. I would wake up, turn my radio on and listen to the Astros play. Wasn’t a day that went by where I wasn’t rooting for them. What about you?”

“I just wanted to play professional baseball but you know since we’re people of color they don’t let us play in the MLB so I started my career in the Negro League and played for the Kansas City Monarchs.” They both seemed to have gotten along pretty well and enjoyed each other’s company.

My dad was humble, respectful and fearless. Well, the fearless part started to change once it was his turn to try out. “Lewis! You’re up,” said the recruiting coach. “Wish me luck, Jackie,” said Anthony. Anthony grabbed his bat and ran to the plate, he started to sweat and tremble a bit but tried to keep his cool. The pitcher got ready and threw a fastball, Anthony screamed and jumped away from the plate. All the baseball players looked at Anthony with confusion, even Jackie. “What was that Lewis?” said the recruiter. “Sorry I just lost my footing, that’s all,” said Anthony.

The pitcher gets ready and throws another fastball, yet again Anthony moves away from the ball and screams. “Lewis, don’t tell me you’re afraid of the ball?” said the recruiter. “What? Not at all, coach, I just had a fly go in my ear,” Anthony replied. Last pitch. Anthony gets serious. The pitcher throws the ball, Anthony swings and… misses.

“Alright Lewis you’re out,” said the recruiter. Anthony walks in shame back to the bench and sighs. “So you’re afraid of the ball,” said Jackie. “I’m afraid of the ball,” said Anthony. The recruiter shouts “Jackie you’re up!” “It’s okay to be afraid sometimes, Anthony, but what makes us brave is our ability to overcome our fear, like this,” said Jackie. He runs out to the field with his bat and gets ready for the first pitch.

First throw from the pitcher and Jackie swings; he misses. He shrugs it off and gets ready again. Next fastball he misses again. Jackie is sweating but keeping his cool for the last throw. The pitcher throws an intense fastball and Jackie lands the swing. It ends up being a home run and all the players cheer and look in amazement including Anthony.

So yeah that’s how my Dad could’ve been the first Black baseball player in the MLB, if it wasn’t for Jackie Robinson, it would’ve been Anthony L. Lewis. Hey, did I also mention my Dad was born in 1964?