Pete's Baseball Quotes

Race & Social Issues

Ford Frick, Commissioner, to players threatening to strike if Jackie Robinson was allowed to play:
...You will find that the friends you think you have in the press box will not support you, that you will be outcasts. I do not care if half the league strikes. Those who do it will encounter quick retribution. They will be suspended, and I don't care if it wrecks the National League for five years. This is the United States of America and one citizen has as much right to play as another.

Leo Durocher, on Jackie Robinson:
I don't care if the guy is yellow or black, or if he has stripes like a fuckin' zebra. I'm the manager of this team, and I say he plays.

Frank Robinson, black Orioles outfielder, on white teammate Brooks Robinson:
I don't see why you reporters keep confusing Brooks and me. Can't you see that we wear different numbers?

Stan Williams, on Oscar Gamble:
Oscar is so old that when he broke into the majors he was still a negro.

Pete's Baseball Quotes