AFTERWORDMany names of the characters in the novel are fictional, including Chester Lee, Ramona Lee, Agnes Hudson, Ted Garrett, Art Powell, Vince Basser, and several of those associated with the above in Denver, Louisiana, and on the road.
JACKIE ROBINSONAs expected, he faced racial taunts from opposing players and fans his first few years in organized ball.
He shone at second base for Montreal in 1946, where he hit .349, stole 40 bases to lead the International League, and was voted the MVP. Moving up to Brooklyn in 1947, he played first base, hit .297, and was picked as the National League’s rookie of the year. In 1948, he switched to a more comfortable spot at second base. There, he became part of the outstanding infield of Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese, and Billy Cox that continued into
