Why I Chose This Person

           I chose to research Jackie Robinson.  One reason I chose him is because I like baseball.  More importantly, he was the first African American player in Major League Baseball.  He had to be brave to lead the way for other players.  If not for him, many great African American players might never have played the game.

 Early Life

           Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia.  He was the youngest of five children.  His family moved to Pasadena, California in 1920.  Jackie went to high school at Muir Tech.  Later, he lettered in four sports at UCLA.

Accomplishments

           When Jackie Robinson was in the Army, he protested against segregated buses, just like Rosa Parks would later do in Alabama.  After the Army, Jackie played baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues.  These were separate leagues for African American players.  In 1945, Branch Rickey signed Jackie to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  On April 15, 1947, Jackie became the first African American player in Major League Baseball.  He went on to be Rookie of the Year.  He was MVP of the National League in 1949.  Jackie and the Dodgers won the World Series in 1955.

Interesting Facts

•  In 1946, Jackie married Rachel Robinson.  They had three children: Jackie, Jr., Sharon, and David.
• Jackie was chosen as an All-Star once in the Negro Leagues and six times in the Major Leagues.
• The United States Postal service has honored Jackie by placing him on a stamp three times, in 1982, 1999, and 2000.
• Jackie’s number 42 is retired by all 30 Major League teams.  Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees is the last player still wearing #42.
• Every year on April 15th, Major League Baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day.  On this day, all players are invited to wear #42.