Tragedy puts everything in perspective
Usually this space is reserved for my sports column, but the unfortunate events that occurred on Monday make it difficult for me to devote this entire space just to sports.
As most of you are well aware by now, over 30 people lost their lives in a shooting at Virginia Tech. The reason for the deadly shooting spree is still unknown, and the true reason will probably never come to light.
It really doesn?t matter what the reason is right now; it?s more important to help those who suffer through this horrible event.
We ask ourselves how something like this could happen. Unfortunately in today?s society it?s an all-too-common event, not on this scale, but way too often someone loses all aspects of reality and takes their anger out on innocent people. Another heinous crime, which will leave this nation scared for ever.
I can?t even start to understand why anyone would commit such a horrible attack.
Our prayers are with each and every family who was struck by the tragic shooting, and especially with the shooter?s family. I?m sure no one is more hurt and confused about what happened than they are.
We will grieve with those who lost loved ones and hopefully figure out a way to keep something like this from happening again.
? Now back to a little more happier thoughts and someone who changed the world of sports forever.
Not just baseball, but the whole world was changed when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier for black athletes when he started for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
Sunday was declared Jackie Robinson Day around Major League Baseball and the Dodgers did all they could do to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Robinson?s major-league debut.
It took a long time for Robinson to be seen as a baseball player and not just a black athlete. In 1947 he won the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award and the first MLB Rookie of the Year Award.
His accomplishments on the field were big steps for the black athlete. But his off-the-field accomplishments for standing up for what he believed in were even bigger.
He stood up for not only the Civil Rights Movement, but for racist injustice in general.
Robinson?s career and life had a big impact on many people and encouraged others to stand up for what they believe in.
?A life is not important,? said Robinson, ?except in the impact it has on other lives.?
The older I get the more I understand and appreciate these words.
Baseball might only be a game, but the game brought together blacks and whites thanks to Robinson. The world is still filled with racist people, but simple games such as baseball and football have helped to narrow that gap of racial equality for all.
Robinson could hit, bunt, steal a base and run and his on-the-field intimidation skills spilled over to his life outside of baseball. It was his ability to stand up for his rights that led him to greatness.