Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts accompanied mayor Karen Bass and Jackie Robinson family members for a tour of the Barrier Breakers exhibit at Los Angeles Public Library, which tells the stories of African-American athletes who played in the Negro Baseball Leagues.
Developed by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, the “Barrier Breakers: From Jackie to Pumpsie” exhibit sheds insight on the Negro Leagues and the strong-willed, dedicated athletes who became trailblazers.
This exhibit highlights obstacles Black players faced, how they overcame prejudice and social injustice, and how their talent, passion and perseverance changed not only Major League Baseball but the United States as well.
Famed Dodgers Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Joe Black and Jim Gilliam began their respective careers in the Negro Leagues before joining the Majors. All but Campanella won Rookie of the Year with the Dodgers.
Joined Dave Roberts of the @Dodgers at @LAPublicLibrary today to visit the @NLBMuseumKC Barrier Breakers exhibit, the story of the Negro Leagues and how they changed the @MLB.
Black history is all around us — be sure to check out the exhibit before February 19th! pic.twitter.com/1pkqfYsQsX
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) February 10, 2023
The Hall of Fame catcher nevertheless was a three-time MVP before his career was tragically cut short due to an accident that paralyzed Campanella.
The Barrier Breakers exhibit can be visited through Sunday, February 19.
Roberts touring the exhibit marked a second time in the past six months the Dodgers have been intertwined with the Negro Leagues. Along with the Kansas City Royals, L.A. wore a special uniform to honor Robinson during a series at Kauffman Stadium last August.
Also during that road series, Roberts and several Dodgers players visited the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Dave Roberts embraces responsibility as first Black Dodgers manager
When the Dodgers hired Roberts prior to the 2016 season, he became their first African-American manager in franchise history. Roberts since has grown more comfortable using his platform to address social injustices and work to help inspire Black representation throughout baseball.
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