Page 4 - Jackie Robinson: Japan Goodwill Tour
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1956 Japan Goodwill Tour
In early 1956, Matsutaro Shoriki, the founder of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper and “father of Japanese
professional baseball” dispatched Sotaro Suzuki to New York to meet with Walter O’Malley to invite the 1956
Brooklyn Dodgers to play in a 20-game exhibition. Sponsored by the State Department, the Brooklyn Dodgers
played from October 19 to November 16. In a final example of his competitive spirit, Jackie was ejected from one
of the exhibition games for arguing and it is believed his final hit of the last game was a home-run. In addition
to the games, the visit included sightseeing and shopping trips and the dedication of their November 1 game in
Hiroshima to the memory of baseball fans and others who died in the atomic bombing of that city, and to peace.
This photo album was presented to each member of the Dodgers’ team and staff who participated in the tour.
2 Jack Roosevelt Robinson: Japan Goodwill Tour
