BOOKS: BUSTING THE COLOR LINE

Major League Baseball has just completed its season-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's arrival in the game. The number he wore during his 10 years with the Brooklyn Dodgers--42--was permanently retired from use by all teams. Tributes were offered, speeches made. And some of the ensuing applause sounded suspiciously like people, including those who run baseball these days, patting themselves on the back.

But flag waving and marching bands and feel-good oratory may not be the best way to remember Jackie Robinson. The tragic measure of his remarkable accomplishments is the hatred and bigotry he was forced to...