[Vision2020] A Late Tribute

[Tom Hansen]

Greetings Visionaires -

I held off posting this tribute hoping that it might originate from other
sources, either here on Vision 2020 or on the Moscow airwaves.  Both sources
have thus far failed.  In light of Don Imus' recent comments this tribute
becomes even more relevant.

It was sixty years ago today (April 15, 1947) that Jackie Robinson first
took his position at second base at Ebbetts Field to play professional major
league baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Although Jackie Robinson went 0-3
that day against the Boston Braves, scoring one run, he shattered the color
barrier into professional baseball.  For that the nation is grateful.

As the article in Friday's Sports Illustrated reflects:

He was a soldier, a writer, an activist, a politician, a voice, a leader, a
father, a husband, and a friend.  Being a Hall of Fame second baseman was
the easy part.

"Before and After Jackie" (EXCELLENT presentation)
Raging sports poet and director Sean Pamphilon's take on a baseball pioneer
who died way too early--perhaps, in part--because of the indignities he
suffered.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjHpIBcTT0Q

And an additional thanks to Branch Rickey, owner of the then Brooklyn
Dodgers, who made this day possible.

A special shout out to somebody special:  How about them Dodgers!

Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"If not us, who?
If not now, when?"

- Unknown