Game Night for the Champ

Jackie Robinson with his wife Rachel and their children at their Stamford, Conneticut home,

where Scrabble makes the centerpiece for family time. We all know Jackie lead the way as the first Black player in the Major Leagues in the 20th century, but he also dealt with racial discrimination off the baseball field. Around 1953, Rachel wanted to leave St. Albans in search of a larger home with more privacy, better public schools and the fresh air of Connecticut. Looking for houses in West Chester county and the suburbs, Rachel was met with resistance. After hearing of Rachel’s difficulties, a reporter contacted her and a story was released, prompting the town of Stamford to help. A small group met at the home of Andrea Simon ( wife of Richard Simon from Simon & Schuster Publishing), and Rachel and Andrea became quick friends determined to find a dream home for Rachel.

After viewing a few homes, Rachel ultimately fell in love with a five- acre plot and the beginnings of a new house already built. The current owner and builder, Ben Gunnar, sold the property to the Robinsons and worked with them on a stunning split- level contemporary home that featured an impressive stone fireplace, a custom showcase area for Jackie’s trophies and even a large game room with a full- sized soda fountain.

There's so much more to the story! For more information on Jackie’s life, read Jackie Robinson, A Biography by Arnold Rampersad