HAMILTON – “After the game, Jackie Robinson came into our clubhouse and shook my hand ... I thought that was a classy gesture …. What meant even more was what Jackie told the press, ‘ Mantle beat us. He was the difference between the two teams.’ I have to admit, I became a Jackie Robinson fan on the spot. And when I think of that World Series, his gesture is what comes to mind. Here was a player who had without doubt suffered more abuse and more taunts and more hatred than any player in the history of the game. And he had made a special effort to compliment and encourage a young white kid from Oklahoma.” – Mickey Mantle
Jackie Robinson, one of the all time great ballplayers, stepped up the plate because he loved the game, and proceeded to help make our country a better place to live, on and off the ball field. In 1962, Robinson received the honor of being the first African-American to be elected to Cooperstown’s National Baseball Hall of Fame. Robinson stayed involved in baseball for his entire post-playing life and in 1984, Major League Baseball named its Rookie of the Year award after Robinson. That same year, Ronald Reagan awarded Robinson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest official honor for a civilian.
“He struck a mighty blow for equality, freedom and the American way of life. Jackie Robinson was a good citizen, a great man, and a true American champion.” - President Ronald Reagan
The Jackie Robinson Story is performed by Mad River Theater Works on Sunday, Feb. 21, 3 p.m. as part of their national tour. In the summer of 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play major league baseball. Mad River Theater Works captures the events in a musical drama that shaped Robinson’s character and the tremendous obstacles he overcame on his way to changing the face of our nation and our national pastime.
“Jackie (Robinson), we’ve got no army. There’s virtually nobody on our side. No owners, no umpires, very few newspapermen. And I’m afraid that many fans will be hostile. We’ll be in a tough position. We can win only if we can convince the world that I’m doing this because you’re a great ballplayer, a fine gentleman.” - Branch Rickey
After the show meet the cast of Mad River Theater Works for an autograph or photos. Scooch, Syracuse Chief’s mascot, will also be present. Enter your theater ticket in a free drawing to win one of two family-four packs to Cooperstown’s National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Live theater continues Saturday, March 13, with the Great Lake’s Production of Westside High School Reunion, an interactive dinner theater and an evening with the zaniest group of alumni you’ll ever meet. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. Enjoy the vaudeville comedy antics of Wells and Woodhead in Foolz on Saturday, April 10, 3 p.m. Joseph Cashore presents his incredible Cashore Marionettes in Simple Gifts, Saturday, May 1 at 3 p.m. After each show, meet the actors for autographs and photos. Tickets are available by calling The Palace Theater. Group rates are available.
These shows are made possible with support from the The Banfi Vinters , Colgate Bookstore, Colgate Inn, Crowes Drugs, Hamilton Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Park City Builders, Ward Architects, Community Memorial Hospital, Dunn, Bruno and St Leger LLP, Mang Insurance, Mid York Press, Miles B. Marshall Inc, NBT, Porter Studios, Swank, Vantine Imaging, Madison County Courier, Sherburne News, and Wendt University Inn.
The Palace Theater is located at 19 Utica St., in historic downtown Hamilton within easy walking distance of free parking, boutiques and casual dining. The performing arts center is an intimate environment to enjoy a great show and taste delicious locally baked desserts in our café. Tickets are non refundable. Seating is general admission. PVisit www.palacetheater.org or phone 315.824.1420 for more information or to order tickets today.