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This is Chris Flannery with the Claremont Institute.

I call this one a rose on Lincoln's grave. Sports fairly practiced, especially

individual sports are a great meritocracy,

revealing for all the world to see, the beauty of excellence.

In American to this principle which is the measure of America. Is it possible for sports or any other

pursuit to take a just measure of human greatness? Abraham Lincoln used to say that this

liberating principle of American justice should be familiar

to all and revered by all, constantly looked to, constantly labored for.

And when it is, even though it can never be perfectly attained, it constantly

spreads and deepens its influence and augments the happiness and value of life

to all people of all colors everywhere.

This is why Americans celebrate Jackie Robinson's historic breaking of the color barrier in baseball.

And this is why we celebrate the historic achievements of another great athlete

who came before Robinson and helped pave the way for him.

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