Dodging a trade to the Giants

Just a few months after rounding first base at New York’s Polo Grounds and bolting for second in one of his final games for the Brooklyn Dodgers, the incomparable Jackie Robinson is traded 67 years ago today to the archrival Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $30,000.

Robinson, already with 10 years in the major leagues and other business opportunities waiting for him, decides to retire from the game rather join the Giants.

Jackie Robinson’s 1956 Topps card

At the time, Robinson – who in 1947 breaks the major’ color barrier – says he is “glad I quit baseball before I was traded, and I bet I’m not the only one.

“I’m sure the true Brooklyn fans – the ones I really care about – will be tickled to death that they’ll never have to see me playing for another club.”

As for the well-traveled Littlefield, the Giants repackage him and send him to the Chicago Cubs, one of nine teams he plays for during his nine seasons in the majors.

Five years after he retires, Robinson becomes a first-ballot inductee into the Hall of Fame in 1962.