Geroge Shuba, 1924-2014

George Shuba, a team mate of Jackie Robinson in the AAA Montreal Royals and the Brooklyn Dodgers, has died at age 89.  Mr. Shuba was the first white baseball player to display interracial solidarity with Robinson, greeting him with a handshake as he crossed home plate after a three-run home run.   The picture says it all.

Aside from learning about Mr. Shuba's baseball career. of which I knew nothing--he was a strong hitter and good fielder--I picked up on this item.

He was exempt from military service during World War II because of a broken eardrum, sustained when he was slapped by a nun in class at a Catholic school.

As a survivor of a 1950's nun-run Catholic school, I witnessed what today would be considered physical abuse if not criminal assault.  A broken eardrum is not at all surprising.

But Mr. Shuba survive to play some good baseball and live a long life.  Not a bad deal.

Godspeed, Mr. Shuba.