InsparationThe first person that inspired Jackie robinson was Branch Rickey. He inspired him because Jackie said "Mr. Rickey, are you looking for a Negro who is afraid to fight back?" and Mr. Rickey responds back saying "Robinson, I'm looking for a good ballplayer with guts enough not to fight back."
He was born in a cabin in Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919. He had four siblings: Edgar, Frank, Mack, and Willa Mae. The college he went to was UCLA and was the first person to get a letter for four sports baseball, football, basketball, and track and field. After college he got drafted to the army and tried out for the team there and some of the soldiers laughed at him. After the army he went to a Negro baseball league called the Kansas City Monarchs. Pie Chart of how much racism Jackie Robinson Went Through. |
Jackie Robinson by: MakaylaQuote by Jackie Robinson |
Book Excerpt"I grabbed Christy's mittened hand and squeezed.
"What's wrong?" she whispered. "I'm scared," I replied, as the reality suddenly dawned on me. "My dad can't swim." With stick in hand, Dad took a few steps forward in the frozen lake to test the ice. The ice crackled beneath his feet as he walked. Tap. Tap. Tap. Dad took a few more steps forward. Tap. Tap. Tap. Then suddenly, BOOOOOOM! A terrible noise roared from the river below... "Dad!" I shrieked. I was sure the ice was going to open up and swallow him! All the kids inched closer in disbelief, and waited for what seemed like forever... "It was just an air bubble!" Dad called to us, as the sound moved down the lake. Dad took a few more steps, tapping as he moved to the deepest part of the lake. He stopped, gave one last tap with his stick, then turned to us and called out, "It's safe! Put on your skates!" We cheered as loudly as we could, and we skated circles around Dad as he walked back onto solid ground. All I could think was: My dad is the bravest man alive." This excerpt is From the book Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson. |