42 Faith

The Rest of the Jackie Robinson Story

By: Ed Henry

Narrated by: Ed Henry

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

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 Through recently discovered sermons, interviews with Robinson's family and friends, and even an unpublished book by the player himself, Henry details a side of Jackie's humanity that few have taken the time to see.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.

The Rest Of The Story

There was once a newsman whose name was Paul Harvey. He had his own radio program. He worked for the American Broadcasting Company.
On the weekdays on many radio stations his broadcasts came on twice a day. On the weekends I was not aware if he had broadcasts or not.On his first broadcast on any given weekday it was just a news and comment broadcast. The second broadcast of the day I feel is the one that endeared him to his many listeners it was entitled “The Rest Of The Story. “He would often pick a subject with whom the American public he broadcast to was very familiar.The factual tales he told on this program always had a twist at the end of them golden nuggets of facts that were told to us in order to, amaze,amuse,astound or educate his audience. At the end of his factual stories he always said this with pregnant pauses for the effect he wanted to deliver,”And now...you know..the rest of the story.
Ed Henry the author of this book and also a reporter in a similar fashion has taken a well known factual story and unearthed for us factual golden nuggets that to many before now were unknown.
Think about this the the year is 1945. The place is the office of Branch Rickey owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The man sitting across from him is Jackie Robinson. The atmosphere is thick with tension and anxiety for both men Jackie in particular. What happened in that office and on that day in that hour changed the course of history in America.Yes, it is a story that has often been told in magazine articles,books,movies and television. There is a twist though A Divine Being not spoken of in this oft. told tale.




What was it that drove Branch Rickey to integrate professional baseball? Profit? Profit I have no doubt played a role but was there more to it? What enabled Robinson to have the courage to put his trust in this white man,this complete stranger sitting across from him?Up to now Robinson had experienced mostly prejudicial hatred or mockery from Caucasians. What was that something? What was the golden nugget of truth the author uncovers for us that binds these two totally different men together so much so they became lifelong friends?
What the author reveals to us and goes on to verify for us in this volume is their mutual faith in their God. This God was not one that is undefined such as a higher power as is spoken of today in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings It is the God of Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey revealed in the Bible. The story of the great faith of both men’s mothers is also told and how in particular Jackie’s mother lovingly poured her faith in both her young sons lives .We see how that same faith sustained both Robinson and Branch Rickey throughout their lives.
When you are through with this book ,well, as Paul Harvey was fond of saying,”And now...you know..the rest of the story”. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Must Read for baseball & non baseball fans

As a 51-year-old lifelong baseball fan I know about Jackie Robinson and general information about his struggles but this book was in enlightening allowing me to really understand the man right and what he went through as well as the strength and leadership Branch Rickey showed in signing him.