Pee Wee Reese

Pee Wee Reese (www.peeweereese.com/image1.htm)

My hero is Pee Wee Reese. He was born on July 23, 1918 and grew up in Ekron, KY. His parents named him originally Harold Henry Reese. He got his nickname "Pee Wee Reese" when he was younger because he loved to play marbles and he would have competitions. He was one of the best at the game. The reason he is a hero is because he helped end rascism in Major League Baseball.

Most people might know him for his great baseball career, but I know him for much more. During his time there was a lot of racism and he was brave enough one day to stand up for African Americans and didn't care what people thought. The reason he did this is because he realized that African Americans are no different than white people.

When Jackie Robinson came into the league Pee Wee Reese and Jackie got off to a slow start, but after a while they started to become great friends. When Pee Wee Reese saw the crowd one game throwing stuff at Jackie, and the pitchers throwing a 98mph fastball at his head, it probably didn't make him feel good so I think that's why he stuck up for Jackie.

A drawing of Pee Wee Reese. (I drew it)

Pee Wee Reese was not the only person who made the great change in the MLB. He had help from his manager for bringing Jackie Robinson into the league. After having a great baseball career, he finally retired after the 1958 season.

After his baseball career and his big change he died on August 14, 1999 in Louisville, KY. My hero is Pee Wee Reese and if you want to make a change than make it, because if he can do it, than you can too.