"Jackie Robinson broke the color line in the white Major Leagues in 1947. I got to see Jackie play in 1952 when I was ten years old. Robinson was a fierce competitor, on and off the field. He brought daring and speed to the game. Jackie was pigeon toed, but on the bases, he was perpetual motion. There was always a buzz in the stands when Robinson was on base. My accountant’s wife was a groupie to the young Dodger players such as Duke Snider and Gil Hodges. In 1947, she overheard them talking about Robinson’s acceptance by the team. How could Dixie Walker shake hands with Robinson after hitting a home run? Dixie was a true Southerner, through and through. Walker brought his black Labrador retriever to spring training that year. The dog’s name was “Nigger.” Three southern ballplayers were eventually traded by the Dodgers when Jackie made the team. Dixie was the last one to go. "