Jackie Robinson’s story is not only a compelling drama of heroism, but also as a template of the African American freedom struggle. A towering athletic talent, Robinson’s greater impact was on preparing the way for the civil rights reform wave following WWII. But Robinson’s story has always been far more complex than the public perception has allowed. Brooklyn Dodgers executive Branch Rickey famously told the young Robinson that he was “looking for a ballplayer with guts enough not to fight back.” J. Christopher Schutz reveals the real Robinson, as a more defiant, combative spirit than simply the “turn the other cheek” compliant “credit to his race.” The triumph of Robinson’s inclusion in the white Major Leagues (which presaged blacks’ later inclusion in the broader society) also included the slow demise of black-owned commercial enterprise in the Negro Leagues (which likewise presaged the unrecoverable loss of other important black institutions after civil rights gains). Examining this key figure at the crossroads of baseball and civil rights histories, Schutz provides a cohesive exploration of the man and the times that made him great.

"Schutz portrays baseball legend Jackie Robinson as a 'compliant warrior,' a revamped version of a man whose temperament could sometimes make him 'prickly and difficult.' Schutz skillfully depicts the totality of the star’s personality on and off the field, without any sugar-coating or hype." - Publishers Weekly

"This work takes a different look at one of the most discussed and analyzed players in baseball history. Debut author Schutz uses interviews and other sources to contrast the complex reality of who Robinson was with how he is traditionally depicted. Another interesting angle illustrates how Robinson’s career and life both influenced and were influenced by the events and social context of the times. Baseball fans and those interested in the civil rights movement will enjoy this book." - Library Journal

"Historian Schutz sketches Robinson’s progression from juvenile delinquency to stardom at UCLA (not USC) before he battled against Jim Crow military practices and a racist-spawned court-martial. Schutz nicely covers Robinson's postbaseball years, when he stood out as a racial spokesperson notwithstanding disappointments involving major political party figures and brickbats from black power advocates." - CHOICE

"Another perspective on the groundbreaking life of Jackie Robinson.  We are all familiar with the story, but instead of taking it from a baseball point of view, it shows the results from a social impact perspective.  It puts a different spin on the whole Jackie Robinson story and adds new insights to the entire story.  Jackie Robinson’s admirable legacy is about so much more than just baseball, and this is only one of the many different angles." - Gregg's Baseball Bookcase