How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"In our national pastime, each player is a member of a team, but when he comes to bat, he stands alone. One man. Many opportunities. For no matter how far behind, how late in the game, he, by himself, can make a difference. He can change what has been. He can make it a new ball game." (6.70)
Mrs. Rappaport loves mixing baseball with civics. She tells her students that even if everyone is part of one big team, each person still is his or her distinct self. This means that each player can hit the game-clinching home run, or each person in America can have an influence on the future of the country in which they live. That's a lot of opportunity.
Quote #2
"In the life of our nation, each man as a citizen of the United States has the right to pursue his own happiness. For no matter what his race, religion or creed, be he pauper or president, he has the right to speak his mind, to live as he wishes within the law, to elect our officials and stand for office, to excel. To make a difference. To change what has been. To make a better America."
"And so can you! And so must you!" (6.71-72)
Just as the Declaration of Independence says, everyone in America should be able to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No matter who you are, everyone is supposed to be granted the same basic freedoms. But responsibilities come with these liberties, and in exchange, Mrs. Rappaport says you need to strive to make your America a better place. Help other people and do good things—that's the Mrs. Rappaport way.
Quote #3
Shirley felt as if the walls of the classroom had vanished. In their stead was a frontier of doors to which she held the keys.
This year, Jackie Robinson is at bat. He stands for himself, for Americans of every hue, for an America that honors fair play.
Jackie Robinson is the grandson of a slave, the son of a sharecropper, raised in poverty by a lone mother who took in ironing and washing. But a woman determined to achieve a better life for her son. And she did. For despite hostility and injustice, Jackie Robinson went to college, excelled in all sports, served his country in war. And now, Jackie Robinson is at bat in the big leagues. Jackie Robinson is making a difference. Jackie Robinson has changed what has been. And Jackie Robinson is making a better America. (6.74-76)
Shirley feels like she's got the whole world in her hands and has any opportunity open to her in America. Jackie Robinson represents all the good stuff she can do, everything that she can experience and give back to her new home. Besides, Jackie's success also means that people who are different—whether African-American, like Jackie, or Chinese, like Shirley—can achieve greatness and fight for what's good. Shirley is going to follow her idol and fight the good fight.