The Historic Florida Ballpark Where Jackie Robinson Broke Baseball’s Color Barrier

Jackie Robinson Ballpark

This ballpark opened in 1914 and became the oldest active ballpark in Minor League Baseball. But its real claim to fame came 32 years later when a nervous young man named Jackie Robinson took his first swings in organized baseball.

Here’s what happened on that field where baseball’s color barrier first began to crack, and where to visit the museum that bears his name.

Branch Rickey’s Bold Plan

Brooklyn Dodgers farm system director Branch Rickey signed Jackie Robinson on October 1945. At that time, Black players could play only in the Negro Leagues, not in Major League Baseball.

Rickey had a plan to break that custom.

Robinson would first play for the Montreal Royals, the Dodgers’ top minor league team. This would prepare him for the major leagues the next year.

This effort to bring Black players into baseball became known as “The Noble Experiment.”

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s Role

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach in 1904. She would eventually become an advisor of President Roosevelt and built strong connections between Black and White communities.

Her work created a political climate in Daytona Beach that made Robinson’s first game possible. When other Florida cities refused to allow integrated baseball, Daytona Beach said yes.

During spring training, Bethune met with Jackie and his wife Rachel to offer support and encouragement as they faced this challenge.

A Southern City Makes an Exception

In 1946, most places in the South still strictly enforced Jim Crow laws that kept Black and White people separate. Daytona Beach Mayor William Perry and City Manager James Titus chose to bend segregation rules for baseball.
Perry pointed out that hundreds of Black entertainers have performed in the city in the past. He simply stated: “They are entertainers—baseball is entertainment.”

Jackie’s wife Rachel later called Daytona Beach “a political oasis” compared to nearby towns.

Rejection in Other Florida Cities

The Montreal Royals initially tried to train in Sanford, Florida, but the town forced them to leave because Robinson was on the team.
They approached Jacksonville, which responded by locking their stadium doors and canceling planned games.

The Royals then tried in DeLand, but the town claimed their lights weren’t working as an excuse, even though games were scheduled during daylight hours.
When the team tried again in Sanford, Robinson was able to play briefly but faced direct racism. After he scored a run, police ordered him off the field.

The Historic First Game

Robinson played his first game on March 17, 1946, at City Island Ballpark. His Montreal Royals faced the Brooklyn Dodgers in an exhibition match.
More than 4,000 people came to watch, including nearly 1,000 Black fans. This game marked the first step toward integration in professional baseball, though full equality remained a distant goal.

Public Response to Robinson’s Debut

Before the game, Black ministers in Daytona Beach rallied support. They led prayers for Robinson in Sunday services across town.

After church, hundreds of Black community members walked to the ballpark in their Sunday clothes.

Both Black and White fans clapped for Robinson during the game. Northern tourists, many unfamiliar with Southern segregation rules, were especially supportive of this step toward integration.

Training with Teammate John Wright

In January 1946, John Wright became the second Black player signed to organized baseball, joining Robinson in the Montreal Royals. The team added Wright so Robinson wouldn’t face integration challenges alone.

The two players practiced together at Kelly Field in West Daytona, and this became their daily training ground during spring preparation.

The Royals-Dodgers Exhibition Series

The Dodgers played several practice games against their Montreal farm team, and these games gave Robinson chances to show his skills against Major League players.

Their final spring training game happened on April 2, 1946, also at City Island Ballpark. Years later, rare color film of Robinson playing in this game was discovered.

Success with the Montreal Royals

Robinson dominated minor league baseball in 1946, where he led the International League with a .349 batting average and played excellent defense with a .985 fielding percentage.

Throughout the season, he hit three home runs and stole 40 bases in 124 games. He also helped the Montreal Royals win the league championship.

These numbers earned him the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

Breaking the Major League Color Barrier

Robinson’s outstanding season with Montreal earned him a spot on the Brooklyn Dodgers roster. On April 15, 1947, he made his major league debut, officially breaking baseball’s color barrier.

Robinson faced intense pressure but responded with dignity and excellent play. He spent 11 years with the Dodgers and earned a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The league later retired his jersey number (42) across all teams, an honor given to no other player.

Visiting Jackie Robinson Ballpark

You can visit Jackie Robinson Ballpark at 105 East Orange Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida. The ballpark hosts Daytona Tortugas games from April through September, with most games starting at 6:30 p.m.

The interactive Jackie Robinson Museum along the concourse opens one hour before game time and stays open through the 7th inning.

Walk the “Breaking Barriers” tour path around the stadium to see historical markers at spots where Robinson played. There’s also a statue of Robinson outside the Orange Avenue gate.

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