Contest: Jackie Robinson

I have two copies - one hardcover, one paperback - of "Opening Day," a 2007 book by Jonathan Eig about Jackie Robinson's first season (1947) in the major leagues.

It's extremely well done because, many times, it presents the legend of something from that season and then blows it up with facts (or, lack of substantiating facts for the legend). For instance, I've heard that the 1947 St. Louis Cardinals threatened to boycott games against the Dodgers, in an effort to halt integration.

But what Eig found was, at most, there was some chatter among Cardinals players, and there never was a concerted effort to put together such an explosive act.

So I'll give away the hardcover today, and the paperback tomorrow. Today's book goes to the first person who e-mails me - at kdavidoff@newsday.com - with the correct response to this question:

Name the pitcher who surrendered Robinson's first career hit in the majors.

--Meanwhile, rest in peace, Bobby Thomson, whose "Shot Heard 'Round the World" eliminated the Dodgers in the 1951 play-in. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Thomson when I emceed the Baseball Writers Association of America's New York chapter dinner in 2004, and he was a complete gentleman.

--UPDATE, 2:26 p.m.: We have a winner! Peter knew that Glenn Elliott of the Boston Braves allowed a bunt single to Robinson on April 17, 1947, Robinson's second big-league game.