“I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” This quote by Jackie Robinson accurately describes the style in which he lived his life, not only as a baseball player but as a person also. This man used his talents in order to bring about change that would forever revolutionize baseball and sports in general. Jackie Robinson was one of the most influential social and racial leaders of his time.
Robinson was born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia. From a young age, Jackie’s family was the only black family on their block. This strengthened his bond with his four siblings and his mother, who single-handedly raised them. Robinson’s upbringing allowed him to learn to make his own way
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However, he did not allow this to bother him. He continued to play the game he loved, and did so at a high level. Robinson went on to win National League Rookie of the Year in 1947. However, his success did not stop there: he won the 1949 National League Most Valuable Player award and batting title. This success earned Robinson an induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Jackie passed away on October 24th, 1972. However, his legacy did not stop. Major League Baseball honored Robinson by retiring his number across all teams in 1997. This means that no player will be able to wear this number out of respect for him and all he did for the sport of baseball.
Jackie Robinson’s legacy extends far beyond baseball. He was more than an athlete; he was a leader. Even before his baseball career, Robinson fought for racial equality in the military. He then used his talent in order to cause change. Robinson’s ability to embrace the hate and racism presented to him shows a lot about his character and his ability to lead. His leadership helped pave the way for African-American athletes to have the same opportunities. Jackie Robinson was a very important social and racial