Dodgers Lineup: vs. San Diego

Jackie Robinson‘s thick skin and resilience allowed him to transcend the naysayers and abusive aggregators making him the Hall of Fame baseball player and American hero we will celebrate and honor on Monday. All Major League players will be wearing his iconic number 42 during Monday’s Jackie Robinson Day to pay tribute to the baseball pioneer. Since Jackie was a Dodger, the team must live up to an even greater standard on Monday. Robinson underwent constant scrutiny, verbal abuse, and even death threats while he was paving the way for African-Americans in professional sports. In the recently released biopic 42, Branch Rickey warns Jackie: “Your enemy will be out in force. But you cannot meet him on his own low ground.” The Dodgers will host the San Diego Padres on Monday, and even though tempers still boil after the brawl which led to Zack Greinke‘s broken collarbone, the Dodgers must not retatlate on Monday night.

Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, and Roy Campanella Statue. GIven away at Dodger Staidum on April 15th, 2013.

There will be eventual retaliation, but it should not be done tomorrow. Not on Jackie Robinson Day. Robinson embodied the very essence of peaceful resistance. The Dodgers must win on the field, and that will be the ultimate payback.

Chad Billingsley will make his second start of the season after returning from the disabled list as he draws Eric Stults for a rematch. During his last start, Bills looked great. He only allowed one run on five hits over six innings of work in San Diego. The Dodger right-hander has had a history of success versus San Diego in his career, and he has a 13-8 record with a 2.58 ERA and 135 strikeouts against the Padres in 146 2/3 innings. He’ll have to watch out for Mark Kotsay who has had the most at-bats versus Bills and has a .280 batting average against him. Carlos Quentin will be serving his suspension and not be playing tomorrow.

Eric Stults will be making his second start against the Dodgers, and last time he suffered the loss after pitching 5 innings while allowing 4 earned runs on 8 hits. The Dodgers hope they can repeat their success against the left hander on Monday night. Carl Crawford and A.J. Ellis both went deep against Stults last Wednesday.

There may be pre-game warnings beforehand, but Billingsley has already said he will not shy away from pitching inside. Bud Black feels that there won’t be any carryover, and that baseball will come first. Additionally, San Diego is coming off a three-game sweep by the Rockies and a five-game losing streak. They are now 2-8 on the season, while the Dodgers sit at 7-5 after losing 2 of 3 in Arizona.

The Dodgers need to focus on the task at hand which is winning. The Dodgers are second to last in the league in runs scored. Only the Miami Marlins have scored fewer runs so far this season.

When tensions run high, the Dodgers should follow Jackie Robinson’s example and turn the other cheek.

Reporter: “Whatcha gonna do if one of these pitchers throws for your head?”

Jackie Robinson: “I’ll duck.”

Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford, is an endearing character whose story is intertwined with Jackie’s as both men forge against the color barrier in Major League Baseball in order to make change. Harrison plays a memorable Rickey, who is both a man of God and baseball. Harrison’s gruff voice and demeanor is a perfect balance with his sensitive and fatherly side. Rickey chooses Robinson as the player whom will have the strength to withstand scrutiny and racism without lashing back.

Jackie Robinson: “You want a player who doesn’t have the guts to fight back?”

Branch Rickey: “No. I want a player who’s got the guts not to fight back….”

Rickey claims the reason he is trying to break this unwritten code in the game is to win a World Series and to make more money. Later in the film, we learn the true reason behind his actions.

Chadwick Boseman plays Jackie Robinson, and his portrayal is genuine complete with baseball skills to boot. One memorable scene has Jackie angrily smashing bats in the hallway of Ebbets Field after the Philadelphia manager (Ben Chapman) verbally assaulted him while at-bat. Branch Rickey’s words and support help Jackie persevere and to turn the other cheek even when the world seems to be wanting to tear him down.

Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese’s friendship is touched upon in 42.

Another tender relationship we get to watch in this film is between Jackie and Rachel Robinson (Nicole Beharie). Rachel is always there to support Jackie, and her stability and supporting smile from the stands gives Jackie a reason to trudge on. Jackie wants to succeed in order to financially support his wife and young son.

As a writer I especially enjoyed the story of Wendell Smith played by Andre Holland. Smith was a African-American sportswriter who was battling racial barriers within the world of sportswriters. While Jackie Robinson dreamed of putting on a Dodgers uniform, Smith yearned to sit in the press box. We never get to see Smith sit in that coveted press box seat, but we learn that he later becomes a member of the BBWAA.

The beautiful cinematography of 42 includes the recreation of many of the ballparks of the era. The most spectacular scenes are those which are of Ebbets Field. The production designer, Richard Hoover, used computer technology combined with film footage of an old stadium (Engel Stadium) in Chattanooga, Tennessee in order to resurrect the essence of Ebbets. Brian Helgeland also used archival photos and blueprints of Ebbets Field in order to aid with the computer modeling. Even though Ebbets Field was torn down 53 years ago, Dodger fans like myself who never had the opportunity to see the original Ebbets Field can get a glimpse into what the iconic ballpark was once like. Ebbets Field is a character within the film as well, and the ballpark like Jackie will forever be an important part of both Dodgers history as well as American history.

One very poignant scene is the famous interchange between Dodger shortstop Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 13, 1947. The Dodgers were on a road trip, and the home fans were particularly being tough on Jackie. Pee Wee Reese went over and placed his arm around Jackie in order to make a statement that caused the raucous crowd to silence. A young boy in the stands, who had been yelling out racial slurs along with his father and surrounding fans, realizes that his favorite player Reese has embraced Jackie.

Some moments in the film seem a bit overdramatic and almost melodramatic, and I would have liked to see a more period appropriate soundtrack.

42 is an American story of courage, love, and is a film that everyone can enjoy whether you are a baseball fan or not. It is fitting for most ages, and my six-year old enjoyed it as much as I did. Take note that there is racial slurs and strong language. The film is not only inspirational, but it is funny as well. A few pokes at Pittsburgh got me chuckling. The on-field shots are well done. We wince in pain as if the cleats which spike Jackie’s leg are puncturing our own.

As we celebrate Jackie Robinson Day this upcoming Monday, we now have this truly memorable film for not only entertainment purposes but also historic value. As Dodger fans, we can be thankful that the history of our team is one in which an American hero was a part of.

Pee Wee Reese: “Maybe Tomorrow we’ll all wear 42.”

Rating: 3 out of 4 baseballs