Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting

What if iconic African-American leaders Paul Robeson, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Joe Louis met with Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey in the spring of 1947 to debate the announcement of Jackie Robinson being named the first black man to play Major League Baseball? The meeting never happened, but after listening to this wonderful, thought-provoking examination of racial tension, hopes, and dreams, maybe it should have. Playing the wily, silver-tongued general manager, longtime L.A. Theatre Works player Ed Asner leads an all-star cast, including Carl Lumbly ("Alias") as Robeson, Charlie Robinson ("Night Court" as Louis, and Rugg Williams as the young, eager-to-please bellhop. Perfect listening for audiobook lovers, students of history, and baseball fans alike. B.P. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine