Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson is an important part of American history because he broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. This event helped end segregation in the United States. Jackie Robinson was a talented baseball player. He was the National League MVP in 1949. He was Rookie of the Year in 1947, which was the same year that he broke the color barrier. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. 

Jackie was born in Georgia to Mallie and Jerry Robinson. They were poor sharecroppers. Eventually, overwhelmed by his life, his father left. In Promises to Keep, by Sharon Robinson, on page 12, it says, "Jerry Robinson gave up and deserted his family." His mom then moved the family to Pasadena, California. The family settled onto an all-white street, Pepper Street, and started living their lives. 

Jackie Robinson was a very talented athlete. While in college he played and excelled in many sports. In Promises to Keep, on page 18 it says, "By senior year he was named best all-around athlete." This tells us that Jackie played very well in many sports while in college. Jackie played his first year in Major League Baseball in 1947. That same year he broke records and won awards. On page 43 in Promises to Keep it says, "My father led the league in stolen bases and in sacrifice bunts, and was second in runs scored. He played in 151 of the 154 games that season, all at first base, and brought a new aggressive style to the game. The Sporting News and The Baseball Writers' Association named Dad Outstanding Rookie of the Year in honor of his hitting, running, and defensive play, and value to his team. He was the first winner of this award." As a capstone to an amazing career, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.   

Jackie Robinson led social change in many ways. The most known accomplishment was breaking the color barrier in 1947. On page 6 of Promises to Keep it says, "On April 5, 1947, my father Jack Roosevelt Robinson stepped out of the Brooklyn Dodgers dugout crossed first base and assumed his position as first baseman. He paused, hands resting on bent knees, toes pointed in then stood lifted his cap, and saluted the cheering crowd. It was a defining moment for baseball and all Americans." This explains that in 1947 Jackie  Robinson was the first African American baseball player who started a change in America. Jackie is very important in American history because he broke the color barrier and helped desegregate baseball and unit America. 

After a history-making career with the Dodgers, Jackie retired in 1957. He started a corporate job working at Chock full of nuts. He still was a fighter for equality. When he retired from baseball he became more active in fighting for equality. In Promises to Keep by Sharon Robinson on page 54 it says, "As children, our early experiences got us hooked on social activism. I will never forget the excitement of having Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visit our home for a fundraiser jazz concert for the civil rights movement." This tells us that Jackie Robinson worked with other important people to fight for equality. 

In conclusion, Jackie Robinson was a talented athlete who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. He grew up with a supportive mother who believed in him. Before his career in the Major Leagues, he played football, track, basketball, broad jumping, and baseball. Without Jackie Robinson America wouldn't be the same.