Jackie Robinson is one of the most inspirational and towering individuals of the twentieth century. He was the first African-American to play in ‘Major League Baseball.’ Despite the racial segregation that existed at the time, Robinson demonstrated to the world that the essence of a game has nothing to do with race or color. He not only led by example, but he also aided a generation of future African-American players who wanted to play in the ‘Major Baseball League.’ Baseball was more than a game to him; it was a platform for him to communicate his opinions on racism and demonstrate that he was just like the rest of the team. His transformation from a marginalized baseball player to one of the game’s most well-known players, on the other hand, was rather bold. He endured multiple threats while playing for the ‘Dodgers,’ and he was even booed by the crowds. Robinson’s family was not spared, but all he could think about was playing his game no matter what. That’s exactly what he did! He went on to become one of the best players in American baseball history, overcoming racial discrimination to reach greatness. He received numerous honors and various institutions were named after him as a result of his many accomplishments and records.
Childhood and Adolescence
Jackie Robinson was the youngest of five children born to Jerry and Mallie Robinson on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, United States.
Following his father’s abandonment of his family in 1920, they relocated to Pasadena, California, where his mother worked a variety of jobs to support her family.
In 1935, he graduated from ‘Washington Junior High School.’ His athletic abilities were found at ‘John Muir High School,’ where he was assigned. He was a standout athlete in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, track and field, and baseball.
He attended ‘Pasadena Junior College’ after finishing his studies at ‘John Muir,’ and graduated in 1939. He attended the ‘University of California, Los Angeles,’ where he became the first student to earn varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track & field.
However, due to financial troubles, he had to drop out of education in 1941. He subsequently relocated to Hawaii, where he played soccer for the ‘Honolulu Bears,’ a semi-professional team.
Achievements & Awards
With a batting average of.297, 175 hits, and 12 home runs, Robinson was voted the ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 1947.
With a batting average of.342, he was named ‘Most Valuable Player’ in 1949.
In 1962, he was inducted into the ‘Baseball Hall of Fame,’ making him the first African-American to do so.
On March 26, 1984, he received the ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom,’ America’s highest civilian honor. On March 2, 2005, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Personal History and Legacy
Robinson married Rachel Isum in 1946, after meeting her at the ‘University of California.’ Jackie Robinson Jr., Sharon Robinson, and David Robinson were the couple’s three children.
At the age of 53, he died of a heart attack, and his funeral was attended by tens of thousands of people.
Following his death, his wife formed the ‘Jackie Robinson Foundation’ in 1973 with the goal of granting higher education scholarships to minorities.
He was named to the ‘100 Greatest African-Americans’ list in 2002. In his honor, the ‘Aflac National High School’ established the ‘Jackie Robinson Award’ in 2004.
Trivia
His jersey number 42 was retired in his honor in April 1997.
This baseball player, the first African-American to play in the ‘Major Leagues,’ was court-martialed while serving in the US army for refusing to sit in the rear of a bus.