Jackie Robinson Short Biography

Jackie Robinson once remarked, “There’s not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.” He was born January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia, and was raised by a single mother. After playing baseball in the Negro Leagues, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He retired in 1957 with a .311 batting average. Because Jackie Robinson was perseverant, hard working, and talented, he became the first African-American professional baseball player. Jackie Robinson’s perseverance allowed him to play the sport he loved: baseball. When he attended college at University of California, Los Angeles, he became the first student there to win varsity letters in four sports: basketball, football, track, and of course, baseball. Despite
His batting average was .349 and his fielding percentage was .985 with his outstanding start. His fruitful year led to him signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, when he became the first black player in Major League Baseball. Not only did he work hard on the field, but he worked hard mentally and emotionally when faced with harsh comments about his race, and threats to him and his family. He was warned to react civilly, and civilly he reacted. He was gracious even when people were constantly putting him down. His hard work on the field and on himself led him to be a great baseball player and a great man. Jackie Robinson was so talented, he won multiple awards for his baseball skills. In his first year, he hit 12 home runs and helped the Dodgers win the National League pennant. He led the National League in stolen bases and became Rookie of the Year. He also earned the National Leagues Most Valuable Player Award. He set the league record for stealing home with a total of 19 times in his baseball career. He was the highest-paid player in Dodgers history. Jackie Robinson’s talent paved the way for other African American players in future Major League