With the theatrical release of 42 coming up tomorrow and the official Jackie Robinson festivities just around the corner, I thought I'd share this short academic lecture on the relationship between race and baseball, during and since Robinson's breaking of the color barrier. It perhaps isn't new information, but I greatly enjoyed how clearly and succinctly it summarizes the relevant history.

Bob Costas Quotes Rapper Ludacris (speaks for itself)

No description will do this justice. Just watch.

Dom Brown crushes one against the Yankees in Spring Training.

So that happened. h/t: Bill Baer's Twitter feed

I came across this 1987 video and figured what better way to kick off spring training than by watching noted lefty slugger The Pontiff swing away? Also, the video is pretty awesome. ht: @GarrettQuinn

Sums up my thoughts on the SB Nation layout

Something is going to happen. Something wonderful. SB Nation United, coming soon!

During the Horn - 8-16-12 - WAR? What is it good for? Interesting idea, but something like this would never happen.

Steven Goldman and Amy K. Nelson of SB Nation discuss the Phillies and Dodgers and the Shane Victorino trade.