THE AMAZING
JACKIE ROBINSON
Jackie Robinson became the first black player in the major leagues in 1947, signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
He was named Rookie of the Year in 1947, National League MVP in 1949 and a World Series Champ in 1955.
EARLY LIFE
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31,1919, In Cairo, Georgia. Breaking the barrier against Blacks and Whites he became the first Black American player to enter the major leagues. He was the youngest child in his family . He attended a college by the name of Pasadena Junior College. There he learned to be an excellent athlete and played 4 popular sports. Football, Basketball,Track and Baseball. He was named most Valuable player in Baseball. In 1936 his older brother Matthew Robinson, inspired him to pursue the talent of athletics in the first place. In 1936 Matthew won the silver medal for the 200 meter track run at the Olympic games in Berlin. Jackie continued to devote himself into his education and was the first student to win a variety of letters in the four sports. Soon Jackie was a member in the World War 2. He was put in captivity or jail because he wouldn’t give his spot in a segregated bus. Soon enough with the help of his friends and his excellent reputation he got an astounding jailbreak.
BREAKING THE COLOR BARRIER
Soon after his discharge in the army Jackie began to play Baseball professionally. At that time the sport was segregated which meant that white teams and black teams had to play in separate leagues. Jackie began playing in the Negro Leagues but was soon chosen by Branch Rickey. He was the president of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He moved to Florida and trained with the Royals. The Brooklyn Dodgers were a farming team for the Royals.
BASEBALL HERO
Rickey knew that there would difficult times ahead for Jackie so he tested him. Rickey tested Jackie’s reaction around the racial abuse of the audience. The team captain stood up for Jackie. One time Jackie was being yelled at from the crowd. The team captain stood up for him and put his hand around his shoulder. That is one of the most legendary gestures ever made in Baseball history! He succeeded in putting the racism aside and showed everyone what he was made of. In his first year he set 12 home runs and helped the Brooklyn Dodgers win the National League Pennant. Robinson was also named Rookie of the Year and the Leagues most Valuable player award. He soon became a hero and popular of the sport. He opened the doors for Satchel Paige,Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.
CAUSES AND LEGACY
After his retirement from Baseball , Robinson became more active in social change. Robinson served in the NAACP( National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) until he was inducted in the HALL OF FAME! Jackie died from heart problems and diabetes compilation. He survived with his wife and 2/3 of his children. When he died his wife established the Jackie Robinson Foundation. This foundation provided scholarships and mentoring programs to young people in need.
By Rinchen Sangpo
5th Grade 5B
Beloved Community Charter School (BCCS)
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