The Jackie Robinson Story (1950)

Laurence Criner: Minister - Reverend Carter

Quotes 

• Jackie Robinson : I'm a ball player, Reverend. I've just learned that the Brooklyn Dodgers have been scouting negro ball players for a couple of years and Mr. Rickey thinks I'm good enough to - well, Reverend, it just means that a colored man will be able to play on the same field with a white man for the first time.

  Minister : Who goes out to these ballparks, Jackie? Just white men?

  Jackie Robinson : No. Anybody can buy a ticket Reverend, colored or white.

  Minister : Tell me, Jackie, what do you think would actually happen if you were to get out on a white baseball field?

  Jackie Robinson : Well, I don't know? They might call me names. They might even beat me up.

  Minister : I don't mean what would happen to you, Jackie. I mean, what would happen to the colored people?

  Jackie Robinson : Might start fights. Might even start a riot!

  Minister : That's true. On the other hand, every step forward for our people has started a fight somewhere, for the time being, anyhow. This is a big thing you have to decide, Jackie. And not just for you alone. It's a big thing for the whole colored people.

  Jackie Robinson : I know. That's why I came to you for help.

  Minister : A great deal depends upon you, Jackie: what kind of a man you are.