The importance of the 11th and 12th of April, 1947, cannot be overstated - not just with respect to the sports world, but in American history in general.  Those two dates saw the New York Yankees visit Ebbets Field in Brooklyn for two exhibition games in which Jackie Robinson would break the game's color barrier, setting the stage for the integration of baseball, and for massive strides in civil rights.

The first game, April 12, Robinson found himself starting at first base and figuring in the game's score by reaching base twice on errors and driving in three with sacrifice hits.  The following day, while the scoreboard would not be as fortuitous for Brooklyn, something of equal importance occurred: Jackie Robinson got his first hit - the first hit by a Black player in a major league game in the 20th Century. Robinson ripped a single to left in the 4th inning against Allie Reynolds, driving in Pete Reiser for Brooklyn's only run in the 8-1 loss. He was erased at second when Eddie Miksis rapped into a double play.

Presented here is an official Ebbets Field scorecard from that very game. Well-worn, the program has largely separated at the seams, the cover attached only by one piece of clear tape at the bottom.  Significant chipping and paper loss is evident at the top edge and the spine, with mild toning visible throughout.  All the pages are present, however.  Robinson's presence with the big club was so fresh that Ed Stevens is still printed in the program at first base; Stevens would remain with the club for another month before agreeing to be sent down to Montreal. Robinson is penciled in, his hit memorialized with a single "1" in the fourth inning. An extraordinary scorecard, of extreme historical significance.