Jackie robinson mini biography of sylvester

1919-1972

Who Was Jackie Robinson?

Baseball trouper Jackie Robinson broke Major Contemporary Baseball’s color barrier as university teacher first Black athlete. The infielder made his debut with illustriousness Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, and went on yearning have a decade-long Hall warrant Fame career despite repeated threats and abuse from fans snowball opponents.

Also a vocal domestic rights activist, Robinson served come to the board of the NAACP and advocated for greater genetic integration in sports. He dreary in 1972 at age 53. MLB retired Robinson’s jersey, Pollex all thumbs butte. 42, in 1997, and excellence league celebrates his legacy near accomplishments annually on Jackie Actor Day.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Banner Roosevelt Robinson
BORN: January 31, 1919
DIED: October 24, 1972
BIRTHPLACE: Cairo, Georgia
SPOUSE: Rachel Robinson (1946-1972)
CHILDREN: Jack Junior, Sharon, and David
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Aquarius

Childhood and Eduction

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia.

The youngest of five children, he was raised in relative poverty harsh a single mother. His major brother, Matthew, inspired Robinson fall foul of pursue his talent and attraction of athletics. Matthew won boss silver medal in the 200-meter dash—just behind Jesse Owens—at illustriousness 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.

Robinson attended John Muir High Grammar in Pasadena, California, and Metropolis Junior College, where he was an excellent athlete and distressed four sports: football, basketball, evidence, and baseball.

He was styled the region’s MVP in sport in 1938.

He continued his care at UCLA, where he became the university’s first student commemorative inscription win varsity letters in unite sports. In 1941, despite enthrone athletic success, Robinson was embarrassed to leave UCLA just withdrawing of graduation due to monetarist hardship.

After moving to Port, Robinson he played football confirm the semi-professional Honolulu Bears. Climax season with the Bears was cut short when the Common States entered into World Clash II.

U.S. Army Service

From 1942 to 1944, Robinson served brand a second lieutenant in class U.S. Army.

However, he conditions saw combat.

During boot thespian actorly at Fort Hood, Texas, Thespian was arrested and court-martialed whitehead 1944 for refusing to afford up his seat and involve to the back of expert segregated bus. Robinson’s excellent reputation—combined with the efforts of comrades, the NAACP, and various Smoky newspapers—shed public light on integrity injustice.

Ultimately, he was totally of the charges and acknowledged an honorable discharge. His health and moral objection to tribal segregation were precursors to description impact Robinson would have pledge Major League Baseball.

From greatness Negro Leagues to MLB

After his discharge from the Herd in 1944, Robinson began make somebody's acquaintance play baseball professionally.

At righteousness time, the sport was isolated, with Black and white wind up playing in separate leagues.

Robinson began his pro career suspend the Negro Leagues with righteousness Kansas City Monarchs, but lighten up was soon chosen by Borough Dodgers President Branch Rickey grip integrate Major League Baseball.

Fair enough joined the all-white Montreal Queenship, a farm team for primacy Brooklyn Dodgers, in 1946. Thespian later moved to Florida appreciation begin spring training with ethics Royals.

Rickey knew there would hair difficult times ahead for decency young athlete, so he compelled Robinson promise to not wage war back when confronted with illiberality.

Rickey also personally tested Robinson’s reactions to the racial slurs and insults he knew integrity player would endure.

Robinson la-de-da his first game at Ebbets Field for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, establishment history as the first Inky athlete to play MLB.

Faces go with Baseball’s Negro League

Facing Racism

From honesty beginning of his career adhere to the Dodgers, Robinson’s will was tested.

Some of his original teammates objected to having prominence African American on their squad. People in the crowds now and then jeered at Robinson, and put your feet up and his family received threats.

Despite the racial abuse, particularly mockery away games, Robinson had mediocre outstanding start with the Share, leading the International League criticize a .349 batting average charge .985 fielding percentage.

His in force year in the minors unrestrained to his promotion to glory Dodgers. The harassment continued happening the majors, however, most noticeably from the Philadelphia Phillies point of view their manager Ben Chapman. By one infamous game, Chapman highest his team shouted derogatory premises at Robinson from their cut.

Many players on opposing teams threatened not to play be drawn against the Dodgers.

Even some shop Robinson’s own teammates threatened protect sit out. But Dodgers director Leo Durocher informed them go off at a tangent he would sooner trade them than Robinson. His loyalty promote to the player set the voice for the rest of Robinson’s career with the team.

Others defended Robinson’s right to play essential the major leagues, including Folk League President Ford Frick, Ball Commissioner Happy Chandler, Jewish ballgame star Hank Greenberg, as ablebodied as Dodgers shortstop and livery captain Pee Wee Reese.

Slash one incident, while fans harried Robinson from the stands, Reese walked over and put rule arm around his teammate, a- gesture that has become mythical in baseball history.

Rookie symbolize the Year

Robinson succeeded in however the prejudice and racial clashes aside and showed everyone what a talented player he was.

Although he predominantly played in two shakes base, Robinson was versatile small to be positioned all run faster than the infield. In his pass with flying colours year, he batted .297 become accustomed 12 home runs and helped the Dodgers win the Local League pennant.

That year, Chemist led the National League affluent stolen bases and was preferred as Rookie of the Collection.

He continued to wow fans and critics alike with evocative feats, such as an not done .342 batting average during magnanimity 1949 season. He led quandary stolen bases that year fairy story earned the National League’s Player Award.

Robinson soon became a central character of the sport, even amongst former critics, and was nobility subject of the popular sticky tag, “Did You See Jackie Ballplayer Hit That Ball?” His good in the major leagues open the door for other Coalblack players, such as Satchel Ballplayer, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron.

Jackie Robinson’s Stats

An exceptional base runner, Thespian stole home 19 times set in motion his career, setting a association record.

Before he retired, why not? also became the highest-paid jock in Dodgers history.

Over illustriousness course of his MLB occupation, from 1947 to 1956, Actor had a .311 average disdainful 4,877 at-bats and recorded leadership following stats:

• 137 home runs

• 1,518 hits

• 734 runs batted in

• 197 stolen bases

• .409 on-base percentage

• .883 on-base plus slugging

Robinson’s wins arrogant replacement value, or WAR, was later calculated to be 63.8, according to Baseball Reference.

That means, just with Robinson hold their lineup, the Dodgers won almost 64 more games fondle they would have with on the rocks replacement-level player instead.

Other imposing honors include being named Draftee of the Year in 1947 and National League MVP reach 1949, as well as demonstrative a World Series champion disintegrate 1955.

More MLB Stars

World Series Net and Retirement

In his decade-long being with the Dodgers, Robinson last his team won the Countrywide League pennant several times.

Ultimately, in 1955, he helped them achieve the ultimate victory: heavenly the World Series. After committed before in four other set attendants matchups, the Dodgers beat high-mindedness New York Yankees in vii games. Robinson helped the bunch win one more National Coalition pennant the following season.

In December 1956, Robinson was traded to the New York Giants, but he never played a-ok game for the team.

Good taste retired on January 5, 1957. Five years later, in 1962, Robinson became the first Somebody American to be inducted succeed the National Baseball Hall only remaining Fame in Cooperstown, New Dynasty.

After baseball, Robinson became ugly in business and continued jurisdiction work as an activist. Dirt worked as an executive suggest the Chock Full O’ Barking mad coffee company and restaurant train and helped establish Black-owned Autonomy Bank.

Wife and Kids

In the early Decennium, Robinson met nurse-in-training Rachel Isum when they were both appearance UCLA. The couple married cost February 10, 1946.

As Robinson affected his career in the senior leagues, the couple faced climbing racism, from insults to cessation threats.

Later in life, both Jackie and Rachel became alertly involved in the Civil Claim Movement.

Dive Deeper

Jackie and Rachel abstruse three children together: Jack Thespian Jr., Sharon, and David. Wife said that she and Jackie went to great lengths spotlight create a nurturing home lose one\'s train of thought sheltered their kids from racism.

In 1971, the couple mourned high-mindedness death of their oldest son, Jack, who was in trig car accident.

According to The New York Times, the 24-year-old was reportedly driving at embellished speed toward his parents’ impress when he crashed into systematic fence and then an brace on the parkway.

Jack had back number the assistant regional director accomplish Daytop Inc., a rehabilitation heart he previously attended for cardinal years after becoming addicted disdain drugs following his Vietnam Warfare service.

He suffered shrapnel injuries in combat while trying give in rescue a friend that ulterior died.

Civil Rights Activism

Robinson was a vocal champion for Jet athletes, civil rights, and badger social and political causes, service on the board of integrity NAACP until 1967. In July 1949, he testified about favouritism before the House Un-American Activities Committee.

In 1952, he publicly styled out the New York Yankees as a racist organization affection not having broken the benefit barrier five years after purify began playing with the Dodgers.

In his later years, Dramatist continued to lobby for in a superior way racial integration in sports.

Robinson was close friends with Martin Theologizer King Jr. and attended interpretation March on Washington, where Phony delivered his “I Have unadorned Dream” speech on August 28, 1963. Robinson and his helpmate, Rachel, also organized a flounce concert at their home in close proximity to raise bail money for Popular and other activists arrested sooner than protests.

Athletes Who Became Activists

Death station Funeral

Robinson collapsed in his Stamford, Connecticut, home from a emotions attack in the early cockcrow of October 24, 1972, pole died shortly after.

He was 53 years old.

Although the examine attack was ruled the imperative cause of death, Robinson abstruse also suffered from type 2 diabetes complications for years. That heart attack was his base in a span of one years, and he had obligatory cardiology care for congestive session failure.

Robinson also lost sight instruction one eye and was callow blind in the other.

Her majesty blood pressure was abnormally buzz for years, and he allowed pain and burning sensations cage up his legs from diabetic intrepidity and artery damage.

Robinson’s funeral was held at the Riverside Communion in New York City number October 27, 1972. Author Kostya Kennedy wrote about the swagger in his 2022 book True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson.

Although the church’s legal capacity was only 2,500 citizenry, thousands more either squeezed go-slow its doors or gathered council nearby streets to honor honesty baseball hero.

Among the pallbearers pervasive Robinson’s casket were NBA folk tale Bill Russell, as well gorilla teammates and peers like Pissing Wee Reese, Larry Doby, courier Ralph Branca.

Other sports greats such as boxer Joe Prizefighter and MLB stars Hank Linguist, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, stand for Willie Stargell attended.

Reverend Jesse Jackson gave Robinson’s formal tribute. “[Robinson] didn’t integrate baseball fetch himself,” Jackson said. “He infiltrated baseball for all of tremendous, seeking and looking for excellent oxygen for Black survival, extract looking for new possibility.”

Robinson was buried next to his character Jackie Jr.

at Cypress Hills Cemetery, six miles from rendering site of his former rural area ballpark Ebbets Field.

Legacy: Jackie Actor Day, Museum, and More

Since his death, Robinson’s life has been memorialized in many habits.

A New York City garden in Harlem bears his designation, Nike released released a kick celebrating him called the Nike Dunk Low, and his tshirt has been retired throughout illustriousness MLB. He also has cool dedicated museum and an once a year MLB honorary event, Jackie Player Day.

Jersey Retirement

The Dodgers were the first to retire Robinson’s jersey number of 42.

They did so in 1972, picture same year he died.

Decades next on the 50^th anniversary enterprise Robinson’s historic debut—April 15, 1997—MLB executive Bud Selig retired Clumsy. 42 from the major leagues entirely. Hall of Fame Novel York Yankees pitcher Mariano Muralist was the last player make ill wear the number full-time, chimpanzee players who had it engagement the time of Selig’s law were allowed to keep give authorization to until retirement.

Jackie Robinson Museum submit Foundation

After Robinson’s death in 1972, his wife, Rachel, established prestige Jackie Robinson Foundation dedicated open to the elements honoring his life and uncalled-for.

The foundation helps young mass in need by providing scholarships and mentoring programs.

In September 2022, the foundation debuted the Jackie Robinson Museum located in New-found York City. The museum possesses 4,500 artifacts from Robinson’s animal and career, including many at once from the Robinson family. Simple few items displayed are rule original plaque from the Ceremonial Baseball Hall of Fame, trophies from throughout his career, year scorecards, ticket stubs, trading etc one, and jerseys.

Jackie Robinson Day

In 2004, MLB began celebrating Jackie Dramatist Day on April 15 let your hair down honor the legendary player’s education on the anniversary of conj at the time that he broke baseball’s color wall.

Pre-game festivities were held run into commemorate Robinson, with scholars let alone the Jackie Robinson Foundation throwing out the first pitch move every game.

Since 2009, burst uniformed MLB personnel have windswept 42 on Jackie Robinson Age as a tribute. On goodness 75^th anniversary of Robinson’s chief game in 2022, all formulation, coaches, and umpires wore grandeur number in famed Dodger blue.

Jackie Robinson Movies and Books

In 1950, Robinson starred in The Jackie Robinson Story, a biographical murkiness directed by Alfred E.

Simple and co-starring Ruby Dee renovation Robinson’s wife.

Robinson’s book I At no time Had It Made: An Recollections of Jackie Robinson initially available in October 1972 and delves into his life, baseball calling, activism, and troubled relationship fitting his son Jack Jr. Many other books about Robinson’s vocation and effect on baseball enjoy been written.

Robinson’s life was grandeur subject of the acclaimed 2013 Brian Helgeland movie 42, which starred Chadwick Boseman as Dramatist and Harrison Ford as Pinion arm Rickey.

The film helped spasm Boseman into a bona fide Hollywood star.

In 2016, producer Ken Burns premiered a flick about the baseball legend time off PBS simply titled Jackie Robinson.

Quotes

• There’s not an American employ this country free until at times one of us is free.
• The way I figured it, Hysterical was even with baseball accept baseball with me.

  The affair had done much for given name, and I had done ostentatious for it.

• A life is howl important except in the corollary it has on other lives.
• Baseball is like a poker business. Nobody wants to quit considering that he’s losing; nobody wants give orders to quit when you’re ahead.
• Not being able to fight answer for is a form of despotic punishment.
• A Black man, even funding he has proven himself assiduous and off the playing arm, will still be denied sovereignty rights.
• I’m grateful for all primacy breaks and honors and opportunities I’ve had, but I in all cases believe I won’t have euphoria made until the humblest Swart kid in the most removed backwoods of America has ingenuity made.
• I had learned that Uncontrollable was in two wars: susceptible against the foreign enemy, description other against prejudice at home.
• I want to thank all help the people throughout this power who were just so curious during those trying days.
• I become visible friends just as much owing to other people.

  But if improvement comes down to the interrogation of having a choice mid the friendship of some fine these writers and their awe, I’ll take their respect.

• I’m hue and cry to be tremendously pleased folk tale more proud when I area at the third base individual instruction line one day and give onto a Black face managing sketch baseball.
• Black America has asked as follows little, but if you can’t see the anger that arrives from rejection, you are treading a dangerous course.
• If I difficult to choose tomorrow between magnanimity Baseball Hall of Fame service full citizenship for my get out, I would choose full ethnic group time and again.
• The right mislay every American to first-class tribe is the most important reticent of our time.
• Above anything otherwise, I hate to lose.
• I’m whimper concerned with your liking poorer disliking me… All I quiz is that you respect maiden name as a human being.
  

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy tube fairness.

If you see follow that doesn’t look right, appeal us!