42 Faith

The Rest of the Jackie Robinson Story

By: Ed Henry

Narrated by: Ed Henry

Jackie Robinson, Branch Rickey, and the hidden hand of God that changed history

Journalist and baseball lover Ed Henry reveals for the first time the backstory of faith that guided Jackie Robinson into not only the baseball record books but the annals of civil rights advancement as well. Through recently discovered sermons, interviews with Robinson's family and friends, and even an unpublished book by the player himself, Henry details a side of Jackie's humanity that few have taken the time to see.

Branch Rickey, the famed owner who risked it all by signing Jackie to his first contract, is also shown as a complex individual who wanted nothing more than to make his God-fearing mother proud of him. Few know the level at which Rickey struggled with his decision, moving forward only after a private meeting with a minister he'd just met. It turns out Rickey was not as certain about signing Robinson as historians have always assumed.

With many baseball stories to enthrall even the most ardent enthusiast, 42 Faith also digs deep into why Jackie was the man he was and what both drove him and challenged him after his retirement. From his early years before baseball to his time with Rickey and the Dodgers to his failing health in his final years, we see a man of faith that few have recognized.

This book will add a whole new dimension to Robinson's already awe-inspiring legacy. Yes, Jackie and Branch are both still heroes long after their deaths. Now we learn more fully than ever before there was an assist from God, too.

©2017 Ed Henry (P)2017 Thomas Nelson

Christianity Fueled Jackie Robinson and Mr. Rickey

If you could sum up 42 Faith in three words, what would they be?

Author reveals a stressful Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey turned to prayer for comfort in breaking baseball's ban on Black players.

What other book might you compare 42 Faith to and why?

A Pope and A President

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

For Christians and other spiritual people this would be a courageous story that affirms the power of prayers shared mutually.

Excellent insights to one of America’s greatest heroes!

Really enjoyed this book! Jackie Robinson has always been one of my heroes. Really enjoyed learning about his faith in God, about his fabulous wife Ray and about a newfound hero, Branch Rikki. Very good book!

Great story of Faith and God's hand in our lives

Great story behind the great men and women who were so instrumental in moving this country forward in human equality. God is great, and his hand was in their lives as it is in all our lives.

Great Book about a great man

Loved the I side story of Jackie Robinson's faith and courage. Good to read and confirm great people have great faith. An amazing man.

Great Job Writing

I loved this book. It had such a personal and Very warm feeling. just wonderful.

Story of Determination to do what'sright.

Amazing what two people can change when committed to live according to truth and fairness.

How Christian Conviction Triumphed Over Social Convention

Ed Henry's research, journalistic acumen and piercing analysis combine in an engaging, winsome, and at times jarring narrative that recounts the vital connection between the Christian conviction of Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson and their courageous agreement to transcend the racial discrimination of their day. This wonderful book reminds its readers of the toxicity of racism and the healing powers of forgiveness, grace and love.

Beautiful book!

Ed Henry did a beautiful job telling the story of Jackie Robinson and his mentor Branch Ricky.

One of the best

Whether you are interested in baseball, civil rights, or the faith of Jackie Robinson there is plenty of that in this book. It also is a great love story of Jackie and Rachel. This is bound to be one of the new classics.

Refreshing and Inspiring

Ed Henry walks us through Jackie Robinson's life as a Christian as best as he can with the information available. Focusing on unpublished works by #42 found at the Library of Congress Henry goes season by season and angle by angle of how faith played an integral role in the integration of baseball.

You will find new appreciation and respect for Jackie but also for the other men and women who influenced him and who he influenced in return. Henry's journalistic approach to documenting aspects of Christian faith in Jackie's life was a refreshingly unapologetic report that big heroes often have big faith.

While I understand Henry doesn't classify or consider himself a theologian it would have been helpful for him to give a clear definition of what he means when he says "faith" as that is the central theme of the book. Was it just faith that a supreme being exists or was it faith as in being uncertain of something but believing it to be true or was it believing facts as they pertain to the God of the universe as described in the 66 books of the Bible and then acting in accordance with those facts even when the temporal outcome may be uncertain?

Regardless, the book gives enough information and enough documentation that one can admire Robinson and Rickey as men of noble character who, though different, wanted to serve the same Christ.