The Amazing Character and Life of Jackie Robinson

Character can be defined by the acts one does when no one is watching. Character can also be thought of as how one reacts when subjected to the face of adversity. An excerpt from The Bible, Luke 6:29-31, says, “If someone hits you on one cheek, offer the other too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well.30 “If someone asks you for something give it to him; if someone takes what belongs to you, don’t demand it back. 31 “Treat other people as you would like them to treat you. 32 What credit is it to you if you love only those who love you?” This scripture perfectly describes the actions of Jackie Robinson when he was forced to face the ugliest of people and situations in order to change America, baseball, and to create history. Jackie Robinson is one of the most influential figures in history as he broke the racial barriers in baseball, changed the way America’s favorite pastime is played, and demonstrated what a good character is even in the most challenging situations.

Born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919, Jackie Robinson and his four other siblings were raised by their mother in Pasadena, California. Jackie began playing sports at a young age. He was a shining star at UCLA when he became the first athlete to earn four varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. His family’s financial situation unfortunately could not maintain the costly expenses of college, so Jack was forced to leave school where he found himself enlisted in the U.S. Army. His time there was short-lived and by 1945 he was playing baseball in the Negro League. Jackie played on the Kansas City Monarchs. Baseball became segregated in 1889 and only white men were allowed to play on the professional teams. However, in 1947 D...

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... what true character is. Jackie’s defeat of the color barrier in baseball was all in all a tremendous promoter of the civil rights movement in the south. His athletic attributes made him a threatening competitor to all opponents, and his tremendous speed changed how baseball is played as he set records with stolen bases and made numerous double plays in the infield. Not only was Jackie a superior athlete, but he was also a leader on and off the diamond. He helped pave the way for blacks in not only sports, but also in the social order. He proved to be a true leader as he influenced many in his short fifty-three years. Jackie once said, "I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... all I ask is that you respect me as a human being" (“Jackie Robinson: Biography”). Respect is exactly what he earned and what he was worthy of after all he did for society.