Jackie Robinson, Little League and The Code

We all know that administrators cheated in putting together the Jackie Robinson West Little League team. And we all know that the Code says “I will play within the letter and spirit of the rules of my sport.” In this case there is a larger point: the team bears the name of Jackie Robinson. Robinson is known as one of the great moral leaders in US history. To bear his name is to bear the responsibility to be worthy of that name. To bring shame and dishonor to the team is to have his name associated with that shame and dishonor. We are always playing not just for ourselves and our teammates – we are responsible for the reputation of the team whose name we bear.   Ask your team: What does it mean to you to be a member of our team? What does the name mean to you? Are you proud of that name? How can you honor those who have worn your team’s uniform in the past by the way you play?