In 1949, Robinson led the Dodgers to the World Series for the second time in three seasons and won the Most Valuable Player award. He also began to speak out, arguing calls with umpires and challenging opposing players. His outspokenness drew the scorn of fans, a once-adoring press, even his own teammates. He was accused of being “uppity,” a “rabble-rouser,” and urged to be “a player, not a crusader.”
