Sermon Illustrations

Jackie Robinson was the first black

major-league baseball player.

He was the victim of racial hatred nearly everywhere he played baseball.

There were fast balls thrown at his hear and curses and slurs hurled at him from the dugouts and stands.

One day, playing at home in Brooklyn, Jackie Robinson made several critical errors.

Taunts and jeers FROM THE TONGUE surfaced even from his own fans.

Teammate and shortstop Pee Wee Reece surveyed the situation.

He walked over to Robinson and placed his arm around his shoulder.

Reece simply stood there until the boo’s subsided.

The gesture spoke eloquently to the crowd more than any words.

Jackie Robinson later said that Reece’s arm around his should saved his career.