Jackie Robinson

Have you ever heard of the first African-American baseball player of the modern era? Well, I have! His name was Jackie Robinson. Jackie was born on January 31, 1919 nearby Cairo, Georgia. His family was very poor. Jackie was the youngest of five children. His mother’s name was Mallie and his father's name was Jerry Robinson. Jackie loved to play dodge ball, stickball, jacks, and marbles. Jackie couldn’t swim with the white children because it was the school rule. Jackie fought back by being the best athlete he could be.

Jackie Robinson attended John Muir Technical High School, Pasadena Junior College, and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Jackie Robinson was drafted into the army and went to Fort Riley, Kansas. He went to officer candidate school and became a lieutenant. There was an incident where Jackie Robinson was almost court-martialed. Like Rosa Parks, he refused to give up his seat. Many people stood behind him and helped him so he was not court-martialed. Jackie Robinson was a Major League Baseball Player. He played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He played for the Dodgers for ten years. Jackie retired in 1962.

Jackie Robinson was the most valuable player in the National League in 1957. He was the first black person to play modern major league baseball. Jackie Robinson played for the Brooklyn Dodgers for ten years. Jackie helped the Brooklyn Dodgers win the World Series! Jackie Robinson was the first African American elected into The Baseball Hall of Fame!

Jackie Robinson inspires me because I think it was a great accomplishment to be the the first African American baseball player.