It's January 31st, the 95th birthday of one of the three most significant baseball figures ever, Jackie Robinson (I'd say only Babe Ruth and Marvin Miller rank with him). Just a few days ago, I was walking along Varick Street in Lower Manhattan, and came upon the streetside entrance to what hopefully one day will open as the Jackie Robinson Museum. While
plans for this shrine to the Man who Broke Baseball's Color Barrier have been afoot for at least a half-dozen years, funding issues have kept it from opening. That's a shame -- Robinson's life incorporated so much more than on-field excellent. Courage, wisdom, leadership and, later in his life, business savvy. When young people see athletes today, they don't always see role models. Too often, they see the opposite. Just reviewing the facts, the accomplishments, the legacy of this man make it vital that his story be told -- with as much modern electronic wizardry -- to future generations.
Does it sadden or disappoint you that the museum has yet to reach its funding goals? Would you visit it if it opened? Is it the kind of organization that public and private money ought to support? Click on the word "comment" and share your thoughts on this now-struggling project.
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