Stealing Home

“I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” This is a very true statement that Jackie Robinson said. The first man to challenge the color barrier in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson’s upbringing led to him being one of the most well-known baseball players in history. Despite adversities, he fought for what was right.

Before Jackie Robinson became the most famous African-American baseball player in the Major Leagues. He signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. In 1947 he was named Rookie of the Year, National League MVP and also was a World Series champion in 1955. Jackie was born in Cairo, Georgia on January 31, 1919. (“Jackie Robinson”). Jackie had played four sports at John Muir High School and Pasadena Junior College. He played basketball, track, football, and of course baseball. Jackie’s brother was the one who made Jackie realize his love for athletics. Robinson continued his education at the University of California, L.A. (“Jackie Robinson”). He was the first student to receive varsity letters in four different sports. Almost to his graduation date, he was forced to leave because of financial problems.

Upon leaving, Jackie served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. army without actually seeing combat. Like Rosa Parks, Jackie was arrested during his boot camp training for refusing to give up his seat or moving to the back of the bus when ordered to do so. Because of his reputation, the NAACP and various black newspapers, shed public light on the injustice, and he was ultimately acquitted of the charges and received an honorable discharge. His courage and moral objection to segregation were precursors to the impact Robinson would have in major league basebal...

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...e’s Most Valuable Player Award. (“Jackie Robinson”).

“Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?” This was a famous song that was made for Robinson and made him seem to be a hero of the sport in the eyes of former critics. Becoming the most highest-paid athlete in Dodgers history, and his successfulness led him to all open doors for the opening up of other African-Americans to play in the sport such as Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. (“Jackie Robinson”).

Not only was Robinson a legendary hero, but he also became a vocal champion as well for all African-American athletes, and civil rights. Before the House Un-American Activities Committee, he testified on discrimination in July of 1949. After calling out the Yankees for being a racist organization for not breaking the color barrier for five years after playing with the Dodgers. (“Jackie Robinson”).