Jackie Robinson

Marsh9thEnglish

Background

January 31, 1919 Born in Cairo, Georgia Parents: Mallie and Jerry Fifth and last child Father left family when

Jackie was 6 months old

Pasadena

Family moved here in 1920

Lived in white neighborhood

Attended John Muir Technical High School

College

Attended Pasadena JC in 1938Enrolled in UCLA in 1939Lettered in 4 sports

Military Career

Drafted in 1941WWII veteranWanted to serve his countryReceived 2nd lieutenants

bar in 1943

Negro League

Tried out for Red SoxPlayed for K.C. in 1945Negro League had fewer

fans, less media attention

and lower pay than MLBMeals were bad and

hard to come by

Branch Rickey

President of Dodger OrganizationWanted to bring Negro players

onto his teamMet on August 28, 1945Agreed to contract to

play for AAA Montreal

First Year

Began March 1946 Roomed with

Johnny Wright Practice was moved

after two days on

account of threats Lead team to

championship

Breaking the Barrier

Called up April 9, 1947First career game on April 15, 1947

Overcoming Adversities

Racial insults, snubs, and name-calling

Viciously pitched balls

Off-the-field threats to hurt family

Career

Rookie of the Year in 1947

1949 was named NL MVP

Won only World Series in 1955

Beginning of a New Career

Retired in January 1957Employed at Chock

Full O’NutsSpecial assistant

to RockerfellerSet up Freedom National Bank

Personal Tragedies

Branch Rickey diedHis mother diedJackie, Jr. arrested for

drugs and later killed

in car accident

Final Days

Elected into Hall of Fame

Number 42 retiredDiabetes and heart

diseaseOctober 24, 1972 died of

heart attack

Impact on the Game and Society

Pioneered the advent of African-American athletes in the sport.

His difficulties and successes operate as indicators of the racial tensions of the 40’s

Outside of baseball did Robinson’s life and story transform American racial ideology?