Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919. He was a very gifted athlete and lettered in four sports in high school. He was the youngest of five kids and his mother raised him alone. In high school he played basketball, baseball, football, and he ran track. He lettered in all of them. His brother won a silver medal in the Olympics. This inspired Jackie and he went to the Kansas City Monarchs. The Monarchs were a Negro League baseball team. Jackie played amazingly there, and was called up to the Dodgers, where he became the first African American to play Major League baseball in the modern era.

Robinson faced many hardships in his early years with the Dodgers, especially prejudice and racism. Many people booed him because he was African American. He overcame this though; one time he even stole around the bases. He also led the Dodgers to a World Series. He persevered and got through the hardships of racism. He is now known as one of the greatest baseball players ever.

He married Rachel Issum on February 10, 1946 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame on the day he was eligible. He even won the NAACP's prestigious Spingarn Medal. His number was retired.

On October 24, 1972 he died. Every April 15 every MLB player wears his number 42.  He was truly a legend, and was a big part in the civil rights movement. Jackie Robinson was truly an amazing person, player, and an amazing hero. Jackie is a hero and he COULD fly and he DID have super human athletic skills. Jackie Robinson was an amazing person and he will be remembered forever.