Michael Jordan

Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan were both determined to be great athletes. Jackie Robinson was a talented baseball player. Micheal Jordan excelled on the basketball court. Michael Jordan was a talented athlete who was once told he wasn't good enough to play. Michael Jordan won a lot of awards and accomplished a lot in his basketball career. He won 6 NBA championships for the Chicago Bulls, was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1984, and Defensive Player of the Year in 1988. 

Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan had many things in common.  They both fought for equality in the sports that they played. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. According to the Library of Congress, "After a successful season with the minor league Montreal Royals in 1946, Robinson officially broke the major league color line when he put on a Dodgers uniform, number 42, in April 1947." This tells us that Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball. Micheal Jordan is very active in the fight for equality in our country. on WWD.com it says, " Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand announced their commitment of $100 million over 10 years to organizations dedicated to fighting systemic racism through social justice, economic justice, education, and awareness." This tells us that he is still active in his pursuit of equality in America. Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan were both supported by their moms. Jackie's mom was a single mom that raised Jackie and his siblings. According to the New Georgian Encyclopedia, "In May 1920 Robinson's mother decided to leave Georgia altogether and took a train to Pasadena, California, where her half-brother lived. She worked as a maid to support her children, and they remained poor."  This shows us that his mom was willing to do what she needed to do to provide for and support her children.  Michael Jordan also had a supportive mother. According to People magazine, "The athlete's (Jordan's) parents also played a significant role in securing their son's legacy. In 1984, Deloris (Jordan's mom)  helped the basketball player negotiate a deal with Nike, which resulted in the now iconic Air Jordan shoe."   This explains that Jordan's mom was an important part of his success.

 Even though Robinson and Jordan had things in common; there was one obvious difference. Robinson showed his talent on the baseball field, and Jordan excelled on the basketball court. Jackie Robinson was a talented baseball player. In Promises to Keep, page 43, it says, "In Promises to Keep, by Sahron Robinson, on page 43 it says, " By the end of Dad's (Jackie Robinson's) first official year in the majors, his record spoke for itself. My father led the league in stolen bases and in sacrifice bunts and was second in runs scored. He played 151 of the 154 games that first season, all at first bases, 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, defensive play, and value to his team." This explains that Robinson was a very skilled baseball player. Michael Jordan was a talented basketball player while playing for the Chicago Bulls. On Edubilla.com we read, "In 1991, he won his first NBA championship with the Bulls, and followed that achievement with titles in 1992 and 1993, securing a "three-peat". Although Jordan abruptly retired from basketball before the beginning of the 1993–94 NBA season to pursue a career in baseball, he rejoined the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three additional championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998, as well as an NBA-record 72 regular-season wins in the 1995–96 NBA season. Jordan retired for a second time in 1999, but returned for two more NBA seasons from 2001 to 2003 as a member of the Wizards." This explains that Jordan was a very talented basketball player. 

Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan were both determined to be great athletes. Jackie Robinson was a talented baseball player. Micheal Jordan excelled on the basketball court. Both men fought for equality in the sport they played as well as in society.