Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball

"Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball" was written and recorded in 1948 by Buddy Johnson, and released again in 1949 by the Count Basie orchestra.

This is the first of the Go Get Your Voice songs from and about the early civil rights movement. For the Dodgers to sign an African-American man to play on their major league team took courage and foresight. The color walls were slowly beginning to come down and the Dodgers, along with Jackie Robinson were pioneers in much the same was as other courageous individuals like Rosa Parks.

Lyrics

He stepped up to the plate
Some thought he tempted fate
Others saw the new day
History showed it mattered
The color line was shattered
But Jackie just came to play!