With the banning of books that detail important historical facts and the silencing of various cultural stories which show the diversity of our once ‘Proud’ nation. It seems even more essential to relay the journeys of American to Americans for context and understanding. Knowing our past history, clearly enables and guides us into the future, ‘for better or worse.’ That is why I chose to discuss the journeys of two athletes and the challenges they endured as ‘firsts.’ Hopefully, readers will either want to learn more about them or relay the details of their stories to others. Erasing or altering historical facts is detrimental in understanding ourselves.
Here, we look at Jackie Robinson and Kent Washington’s stories.
Kent Washington and his translator and coach during a game timeout.
Challenges of Robinson and Washington
In attempting to justly compare these two pioneers’ paths and the situations they endured, it would be irresponsible to favor either person’s journey. The difficulty is to lay out the evidence without allowing bias to influence the reader. Undeniably, both Jackie Robinson and Kent Washington are worthy of our praise for their distinction in history. These gentlemen have endured challenges that we cannot even imagine and only by reading about their achievements are we able to grasp and relive their journey. While most Americans know the story of Jackie Robinson, not as many have even heard of Kent Washington. Thus making the comparison that more interesting and hopefully still attaining a “spirited” discussion.
Jackie’s Journey
Jackie Robinson was one of the most heralded athletes of our time. Known for being the first African American to play in Baseball’s Major League (modern era). Not only did he integrate baseball, but he was really good at it! Coming from the ‘Negro (Baseball) League’ he was already very competitive and talented, that wasn’t in question. His abilities were worthy of him playing professionally in the Major League. The dilemma was whether he could withstand the challenges of the times when African Americans were not accepted in professional sports. Could Jackie endure “Racism” and/or “Racist Behavior” by the fans, opponents and teammates? He clearly understood that he was integrating baseball and that there would be challenges he would have to endure. Special accommodations had to be made on road trips, since he could not stay in certain hotels and eat in certain restaurants (Jim Crow Laws). Some of his teammates were against him playing and refused to play with him. They were upset with the “Press” coverage that it brought as they were looked upon as being compliant in the decision for him to play. As well as how they travelled and where they stayed on road trips. Opponents driven by racism were enraged at the mere thought that a African American could compete in their league. Pitchers often threw at him purposely and other players used unsavory tactics to injure and dissuade him from continuing. Fans were incensed that a African American was even allowed to play on the same field as white players. Taunting and hateful screams from the stands were commonplace during games. Taking all of this into consideration Jackie agreed to “break the color barrier” and play.
Kent’s Journey
Kent Washington, is the first American to play professional basketball behind the “Iron Curtain.” He played in Communist Poland from 1979-83 during a tumultuous social and political time. The challenge of being discriminated against (he was the only Black person many Poles had ever seen) was complicated by a lifestyle that was far below the standard he was used to. The locker room in the practice facility was underwhelming. Plumbing, refrigeration, electricity and nutrition were problematic, however endurable if he was to stay and play. Basketball rules were vastly different from rules in the USA. Polish, a very difficult language to speak and understand, was a greater challenge. Television and radio were incomprehensible which led to feelings of isolation. Not being able to communicate with family in America because of a lack of international telephone lines was concerning. Living in a single-room in a house, where a Polish grandma took care of him, resulted in miscommunication about washing clothes, food choices, and other daily routines. Another problem for Kent was when “Marshall Law” was implemented, the stores were left bare of all daily items needed to survive. He was given a “rationing card” that served as coupons to buy such things as butter, flour, soap, toilet paper, detergent, meat and other basic needs. Standing in long lines for items was a daily routine in Poland during this time. But, if he wanted to play basketball this would be his “new” life!
Jackie Robinson and his son during the 1963 March on Washington.
Character Matters
As one can clearly see, both athletes had to endure burdensome challenges to pioneer their way into history. Jackie had to experience more “racially” motivated encounters. While Kent had to tolerate the daily cultural differences in a Communist society. Both admit that they may not have been the best player representing Blacks, but they were the “right” player for that time!” They had the mindset to understand that their passion and drive were needed to conquer those challenging situations put before them. Jackie had personal support from his family and the backing of thousands of Black people behind the scenes and at the games cheering him on. Kent lacked family support because he was alone in a foreign country. So he used his passion and obsession for basketball to guide him. Regardless of the surrounding environment, these two pioneers had something in their character that separates them from you and I. In Jackie’s case, most would have thrown the bat aside and yelled, “I’ve had enough of this sh…!” and walked away. In Kent’s shoes, many would have gotten on the “first flight home” after they saw the locker room in the practice facility. However, both of them dug down deep to a place that only they knew and met the challenges head on!
Hopefully, the two athletes were justly compared as they were both instrumental in breaking barriers and pioneering a path that others have taken advantage of. Jackie is a national hero and most know the story that follows him. Kent not as much, however hopefully now a comparison can be made. Which athlete endured more? Both have books that show you their respective journeys in case you need more evidence.
Jackie Robinson’s “I Never Had It Made” is his autobiography and Kentomania: A Black Basketball Virtuoso in Communist Poland, is Kent’s memoir.
