Important to the success of baseball’s noble experiment in 1947 was the support of whites, most notably Dodger shortstop, Harold “Pee Wee” Reese. Jackie Robinson’s natural position was shortstop, Reese had more to lose than anyone else. Instead, he befriended the black rookie and set an example of acceptance for his southern teammates. Despite repeated threats on his life, Reese rallied around Robinson. In 1948 Robinson shifted from first to second base, and he and Reese became a magnificent double-play combination for the next five years.