Imformation+on+Jakie+Robinson

Jackie was born on January 31,1919 to sharecroppers Jerry and Mallie Robinson. Jackie Robinson was raised in Pasadena, California mostly by his mother.He was taught by his mother to fight racism by showing off his talent, Jackie turned to sports to compete with the white children in his neighborhood who would shout racist remarks at him and his family.

In 1945, Jackie Robinson started his baseball career by signing with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League.. Jackie was not used to the difficult schedule and traveling of the Negro League, and he was hurt by the bad treatment of black ballplayers throughout the League. He excelled still during the 1945 season batting .345 and showing everyone to be an all-around talent.

In spring of 1947, Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Several Dodgers players started a petition to get ride of Jackie. Dodger manager Leo Durocher told the players they could just leave if they wanted. Nobody wanted to leave so Robinson started "baseball's great experiment." in April 1947, he becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues since Moses Fleetwood Walker played in 1885. Jackie was a star from the beginning earning the Rookie of the Year honors with a .297 average and a leading 29 stolen bases. During his ten seasons playing with the Dodgers, Robinson had a .311 batting average, led the team to six pennants and a World Series Championship. He also won the 1949 National League Most Valuable Player award, and made it easier for African American players to play in all professional sports. Jackie Robinson proved himself on and off the field to have great character and grace.In 1962, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

After his career Jackie Robinson spoke out in the struggle for black civil rights, supporting means for improving the conditions and treatment of African Americans. Another thing he did after his career is he refused to attend "old-timer" games because of the discrimination of blacks in non-playing roles. By 1972 he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his debut in the Major Leagues, by throwing out the first pitch in the World Series. He sadly died nine days later on October 24.