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Pittsburgh’s Connection to Jackie Robinson

By Mark Powell

Apr 16, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; General view of a base used celebrating Jackie Robinson Day during a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; General view of a base used celebrating Jackie Robinson Day during a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates players wearing number 42 in commemeration of Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball stand for the national anthem before playing the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
April 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates players wearing number 42 in commemeration of Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball stand for the national anthem before playing the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

With Jackie Robinson Day approaching, we look at his complicated relationship with Pittsburgh.

If you haven’t gotten around to it already, let me begin by saying the Jackie Robinson documentary on PBS is a must-see. Ken Burns does a tremendous job correctly depicting Robinson as a man, rather than just a significant historical figure.

To celebrate the anniversary of Robinson breaking the Color Barrier, I’ve decided to take a look at Jackie’s connections to Pittsburgh.

This is not a feel-good piece.  Historians have said Robinson’s rise to the big leagues was filled with turmoil and bigotry in most cities he visited. The Steel City was no exception.  But in the Hill District, a former ball player turned journalist was there to cover Jackie’s history changing season.

Next: Wendell Smith

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