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Imagine walking onto a baseball field and being booed, swore at and hated by almost everyone in the stands. This is the way Jackie Robinson felt every time he walked onto the field. Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in the MLB. He broke the race barrier for baseball and also helped start the civil rights movement. Jackie was a hard working all around great athlete who fought for what he believed in. He was humble and learned to hold his tongue so he did not fight back when people pushed him to the edge. Jackie Robinson is a hero because he broke the baseball color barrier, started a movement for African Americans, and was an inspiration to many people.
Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier for major league baseball. In the article "Contemporary Heroes and Heroines" it states that African Americans began entering the league soon after Robinson joined. "After Robinson's first season, things began to get a little easier for him. Other black players cracked the major leagues, including several more for the Dodgers." Robinson took a lot of the pressure of being the first African American player that other players would have had to go through if he had not already done it. His bravery showed other African Americans that they could do whatever they work hard for. Not only did he break the color barrier but he did it with style. This is seen in the "Baseball Hall of Fame" article when it says "At the end of his first season, Robinson was named the Rookie of the Year. He was named the NL MVP just two years later in 1949, when he led the league in hitting with a .342 average and steals with 37, while also notching a career-high 124 RBI." Jackie Robinson came into baseball and showed that he belonged with all the other players and showed that it was about skill and not just the color of their skin by winning many awards based on his performance. Robinson worked hard to make it into the league and proved that he belonged as well as showed other player like him that they could reach the same heights by breaking the baseball race barrier.
Not only did he create a movement on the baseball side but also throughout the nation. Showing people that they could stand up for what they thought was right was another aspect that made Jackie a hero. In the article "Notable Sports Figures" Barnes states "Because of Robinson, blacks united, seeking an end to segregation in areas other than baseball. His victory in baseball served to unite African Americans who, following Robinson's lead, began to fight to be free." This shows that people noticed his passion for baseball and how he did not allow the racist people get in his way. Robinson was not alone on his fight against segregation. In the "Hall of Fame" article it says "Rickey wanted Robinson not only for his talent and style of play, but also because of his demeanor. He knew he was sending him down a tough road and thought Robinson was the man to handle it without fighting back." Jackie had the support of his manager and friend Branch Rickey. Rickie helped Jackie find a place to stay and also gave him the opportunity in the first place, he would give Jackie advice and help him deal with the adversity. Jackie Robinson created a movement through baseball that motivated other people outside of baseball to stand up for their rights.
Jackie Robinson was an inspiration to many people throughout his life. Jackie didn't only play baseball he was drafted into the army. In the article "Notable Black American Men" Jessie Carney Smith says "In 1942, Robinson was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to a segregated unit in Fort Riley, Kansas, where under existing policy he could not enter Officer's Candidate School." While attending the school he showed hard work and dedication and "Upon completion of the course of study, Robinson was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1943." This all came to an end when he would not listen to his superior segregating him. This quote inspires people that feel their situations may be too much to deal with or too hard for them to make a difference. It shows that if you truly want something then you will go and do anything to get it. Also Jackie had a strong belief in touching people's lives and inspiring them to be something better. Jackie stated "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives," in the "Hall of Fame" article. Jackie Robinson cared about the wellbeing of others and inspired them to get through any situation that they were in.
Jackie Robinson is a hero that stood up for what he believed in and kept his mouth closed. He worked his way through adversity and showed that he could make it through any situation that he was in. Jackie Robinson is a hero because he broke the baseball color barrier, started a movement for African Americans, and was an inspiration to many people.Page created on 7/19/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last edited 7/19/2016 12:00:00 AM
