Who Was Jackie Robinson: The Inspiring Story of Baseball's Trailblazing Star

On April 15, 1947, history was made when Jackie Robinson stepped onto the field at Ebbets Field, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB). This groundbreaking moment shattered a long-standing racial barrier and paved the way for countless others to follow in his footsteps.

Early Life and Influences

Born Jack Roosevelt Robinson on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, Robinson faced racial discrimination from a young age. His family moved to Pasadena, California, when he was a child, where he excelled in track and field, football, basketball, and baseball.

Who Was Jackie Robinson? (Who Was?)

by Gail Herman

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14210 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	115 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Military Service and Racial Injustice

After graduating from high school, Robinson attended UCLA and continued to play sports. However, his promising athletic career was interrupted by World War II. He served in the U.S. Army but faced racism and discrimination from both fellow soldiers and superiors.

Breakthrough with the Brooklyn Dodgers

In 1945, Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, approached Robinson about breaking the color barrier in MLB. After careful consideration, Robinson accepted the challenge and became the first African American to sign a contract with a major league team.

Overcoming Adversity and Triumphing

Robinson's debut with the Dodgers was met with both cheers and hostility. He faced intense verbal abuse, threats, and even physical violence from opponents, fans, and even some of his own teammates. However, Robinson remained steadfast and determined, proving his skill and resilience both on and off the field.

Legacy and Impact

Robinson's courage and determination paved the way for the integration of MLB and had a far-reaching impact on American society. He inspired not only African Americans but people of all races to challenge racial prejudice and strive for equality.

Personal Life and Later Years

In 1946, Robinson married Rachel Isum, who became his lifelong partner and supporter. They had three children and remained active in civil rights work after Robinson's retirement from baseball.

Robinson died on October 24, 1972, at the age of 53. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2005.

Image Alt Attributes

• [Image of Jackie Robinson sliding into home plate]: Trailblazing baseball player Jackie Robinson breaking racial barriers.
• [Image of Robinson with Branch Rickey]: Robinson and Rickey, the Dodgers GM who signed him, celebrating his breakthrough.
• [Image of Robinson shaking hands with white teammate]: Robinson overcoming adversity and inspiring unity.
• [Image of Robinson holding his MLB jersey]: Robinson's impact on baseball and American society.

Who Was Jackie Robinson? (Who Was?)

by Gail Herman

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14210 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	115 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE