Peter Dreier

Strength for the Fight

History & Biography

“While growing up in the racially segregated city of Pasadena, going to a predominantly white university and participating in sports, confronting Jim Crow racism in the army during World War II, challenging baseball’s apartheid system while playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and being on the front lines of the civil rights movement during and after his playing days, Robinson drew strength and hope from his faith. Gary Scott Smith tells this remarkable and little-known story in his book Strength for the Fight. Smith explores the intersection of sports, politics, and religion in Robinson’s amazing life. You don’t have to be a baseball fan, or be religious, to enjoy this well-written book.”