Jesse Burak

Mrs. Parkin
English- Period 2
4/17/13


Wendell Smith


Wendell Smith was a hero, even if he was never remembered as anyone. In reality, Wendell
was one of the more influential people on Jackie Robinson in his rookie year. This is because
he was assigned to literally follow Jackie Robinson everywhere he went during Jackies
rookie year in the majors. However, as Jackie was getting more famous, Wendell Smith
started to fade out of the media spotlight. He was completely banned from every press box in
the USA. This wasnt good because the only reason he wasnt allowed in the press box? He
was black. This also proved true years back when he was a pitcher for a Detroit American
Leigon team. His catcher was white, and they were equally impressive in a game where
scouts attended. But one picked Tresh over Smith. His reasoning? Smith was black. Thats it.
No other reason was even required. So as everyone sees the movie 42, where Wendell Smith
is a much more main character, just remember what he truly did for the majors. He helped
Jackie Robinson find his place, and helped smash the color barrier to pieces.