Jackie Robinson at Spring Training in Havana, Cuba, 1947

Source: Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics. I believe this image is in the public domain

Photo Subject: Jackie Robinson signs autographs for fans in Havana, Cuba before a spring training game in 1947.

Fun Fact: In 1947, Jackie Robinson was voted Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of American. Some of his other accomplishments were:

• 6-time All-Star

• World Series Champion, 1955

• National League MVP 1949

• National League Batting Champion, 1949

• Two-time Stolen Base Leader, 1947 & 1949

• Elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame, 1962

While these are impressive achievements, none of these honors speak of the social contribution he made to forever change baseball and American society. Nor am I qualified to comment on the personal sacrifices he made to affect these societal changes.

I love this image of Jackie Robinson signing autographs in Havana, and it is my naive wish that baseball be something greater than just a game. What is not revealed in this image is that the Dodgers’ general manager, Branch Rickey, chose Havana for the 1947 Spring Training for a reason - he feared the reaction local fans would have toward Robinson if Spring Training was held in its normal Florida site.

Original Painting Detail (not this Print): Printed on 13” x 19” canvas and painted using Schmincke Mussini and Marshall’s oil paints. Finer details were made using Prismacolor pencils.

Additional info, go to: baseballoncanvas.com