Jackie Robinson: an American Hero

1829 Words8 Pages
Jackie Robinson: An American Hero Jackie Robinson defines a hero because he changed the game of baseball. Jackie Robinson did something that no one before him had ever done; he broke the color barrier for the Major Leagues with the help of the Brooklyn Dodger president Branch Rickey who approached Jackie Robinson about joining the MLB. Jackie was under so much pressure breaking the color barrier for baseball and he did it with dignity and class. The way Jackie Robinson approached all the horrible insults and negative comments helped him pave a path for other black athletes. Having a black man doing such great things had given them hope that they can also become what they want. Being the first African American baseball player was a great opportunity for him because the world needs heroes to inspire others, define ideals, and evolve society. Jackie Robinson came from a broken background; however his childhood upbringing made him very humble. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919 to a family of sharecroppers. His mother Mallie Robinson single handedly raised him and her four other children while his father left the family to look for work in Texas when Jackie was just a baby. They were the only black family on their block and the prejudice the encountered had strengthened their bond (Davis-Pinkney, Hand in Hand 133). Even though Jackie had a very hard childhood, the strength he got from it allowed him to become very focused and determined in his life. Jackie went on to college, but had to drop out because of financial burdens only months before he was supposed to graduate. After leaving, he served in the U.S Army for two years (jackierobinson.com). Nothing could weaken his determination. Jackie continued to strive forward. Known for his talent on the baseball field, he was approached to play by the U.S. Army on their Fort Riley

More about Jackie Robinson: an American Hero

Open Document