Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball. Dr. King formed a deep friendship with him. They often asked for each other’s advice. Dr. King encouraged Robinson to speak out about desegregation [ending a separation based on race].
King also became friends with and advised other athletes. They included the boxer Muhammed Ali and several Olympic track stars. Dr. King had many friends on the Pittsburgh Pirates. They included Roberto Clemente and Donn Clendonon. King was assassinated shortly before the opening day of the baseball season in 1968. The Pirates convinced Major League Baseball to delay the start of the season. They had two days of mourning King.
Photo Credit: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration [6802718]
