#42....from UCLA, to the Negro Leagues, to the International Leagues, and to FLATBUSH to play for "DEM BUMS"..the Brooklyn DODGERS

Hats off from BLUEDUDE SPORTSTALK and all the people who recognize #42 who was doing his thing first in WESTWOOD at UCLA and then for the MLB Owner who took a chance on him then Brooklyn DODGERS Owner Branch RICKEY.

A fine athlete at Pasadena CA MUIR HS home to HS Basketball All-Americans Stacey "Spider-Man" Augmon and Jacque Vaughn.

J.R. went onto play for UCLA and lettered in 4 sports.....Baseball, Football, Track, and Basketball. And before he became a DODGER he was in the Negro Leagues playing for the KC Monarchs, then the International League Montreal Royals each for a season,

then came the call from Flatbush NY and DEM BUMS.....the Brooklyn DODGERS and Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, and Roy Campanella among others.

I salute the man who broke the Color Barrier for not just Baseball but for all Major League Sports for Black Americans.

R.I.P. #42.....you were and still are the BEST

Note: Branch Rickey also signed the 1st Hispanic Ball Player in the late great Roberto Clemente