Editor's Note: Robinson Contributed to Obama's Effort

I know that our newest president is a die-hard fan of Chicago's South-Siders, but I can't help but think he owes a little gratitude to our Los Angeles Dodgers. After all, back when the boys in blue played in Brooklyn, they signed an obscure Negro Leagues star by the name of Jack Roosevelt Robinson. Branch Rickey, then the Dodgers' president and general manager, wanted a guy with "guts enough not to fight back" against the racism that was certain to appear in any game Robinson played in. Robinson used that self control to become one of baseball's greatest players. His legacy continues as his number 42 has been retired by all 30 major league teams. He helped break the country's color barrier, not just baseball's. President Obama should look at the history of one of the greatest to learn his impact as a man who absorbed any and all racism he encountered to make himself a better person, on and off the field. Obama can root for the White Sox all he wants. I just ask that he consider coming to Los Angeles or Brooklyn to see how much Robinson helped pave the way to where he is now, wearing Dodger Blue or not.