It looks like the book is wrong. The SABR (Society for American Baseball Research), MLB, and ESPN (no doubt more) recounts, all say Law substituted a grapefruit without telling Robinson.They only differ in why she did so.The SABR recount says she left the baseball in her hotel room, and substituted a grapefruit from a ground crew member’s lunch.The ESPN recount says she was never given a baseball to throw and substituted a grapefruit at the suggestion of a ground crew member.The MLB recount is closest to Mr. Hinds, saying she left the baseball on the ground and quickly grabbed a grapefruit that happened to be on the plane and tossed it outside.None say anything about a bet, or an extra glove.The first two both say Robinson initially thought he had been mortally wounded, and might have said something like what the book says he did.The SABR recount says Robinson suspected the trainer or Casey Stengel (one of his players in 1915), playing a practical joke on him, and Stengel later took credit for having a grapefruit substituted for the baseball, which is maybe why it’s in the book, that was published in 1953.But, as the SABR recount reports, Law herself told the true story in a 1957 interview, 4 years after the book came out.
ginkens001 about 9 years ago
Nice Cleats cameo.
P51Strega about 9 years ago
Great drawing of the Wright B Flyer
mabrndt Premium Member about 9 years ago
It looks like the book is wrong. The SABR (Society for American Baseball Research), MLB, and ESPN (no doubt more) recounts, all say Law substituted a grapefruit without telling Robinson.They only differ in why she did so.The SABR recount says she left the baseball in her hotel room, and substituted a grapefruit from a ground crew member’s lunch.The ESPN recount says she was never given a baseball to throw and substituted a grapefruit at the suggestion of a ground crew member.The MLB recount is closest to Mr. Hinds, saying she left the baseball on the ground and quickly grabbed a grapefruit that happened to be on the plane and tossed it outside.None say anything about a bet, or an extra glove.The first two both say Robinson initially thought he had been mortally wounded, and might have said something like what the book says he did.The SABR recount says Robinson suspected the trainer or Casey Stengel (one of his players in 1915), playing a practical joke on him, and Stengel later took credit for having a grapefruit substituted for the baseball, which is maybe why it’s in the book, that was published in 1953.But, as the SABR recount reports, Law herself told the true story in a 1957 interview, 4 years after the book came out.
Hunter7 about 9 years ago
things I learn by reading Tank. Grapefruit should not be throw from aircraft. ;)
hippogriff about 9 years ago
Just what is the terminal velocity of a grapefruit at sea level?
Masterius about 9 years ago
I miss Cleats. :) A lot!