As a kid Jackie had to wear second hand clothes because his mother, Mallie Robinson worked for a white family as a nanny. He withdrew from UCLA in his third year to help his mother care for the family. Jackie Robinson at bat Reproduction number: LC-USZ62-119882. Fans hurled bottles and invectives at him. Robinson led that league in batting average in 1946 and was brought up to play for Brooklyn in 1947. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. A version of this story was first published on April 15, 2020. Film still picture from The Jackie Robinson Story showing Richard Lane (as Clay Hopper), Ruby Dee (as Rachel Robinson), Jackie Robinson (as himself), and Billy Wayne (as Clyde Sukeforth) arm-in-arm Reproduction number: LC-USZ62-119880. He continued to play for the next 10 years, leading Brooklyn … Jackie Robinson, the first Black baseball player to play in the American major leagues during the 20th century. Best scene in story: A great scene is when one of Jackie's white team-mates puts his arm around his shoulders in front of a hostile crowd that has come to see the game and is yelling racial slurs at him. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The Jackie Robinson of “42” is a high school history lesson, lacking in complexity and nuance. Most of the time he got clothes from his teachers or friends. He broke major league baseball’s color barrier … Jackie Robinson ’s inspirational story has long been immortalized in books and movie adaptations. Ed Henry – Author, 42 Faith: The Rest of the Jackie Robinson Story A Ockershausen: A friend in need is a friend in deed, and this man is a friend. Video ; share . In … torture, he still did not shed a single tear. Rickey told Robinson that if he succeeded, he could play in the major leagues. Nearly seventy five years later, Robinson remains a key figure in American history as his actions made him a role model for generations of African Americans. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born January 31, 1919. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, a sleepy Southern town near the Florida border. He used to be a fresh faced kid, he made a huge impact on Our Town. In 1997, Major League Baseball retired Robinson's jersey number, 42, for the entire league. The charges against Robinson were dismissed, and he received an honourable discharge from the military. Parents Guide, Top Picks of Redemptive Movies/TV to Celebrate Black History, 2021, Dr. Diane Howard, Interviewer, Reviewer, Publicist. This story belongs to Jackie Robinson, a home run hero.Jackie Robinson, number forty-two, is looked back on as a hero that was an immense part of baseball;Robinson was known for the incredible heroism he showed in baseball and in his community through his fifty-three years of life. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jackie-Robinson, National Baseball Hall of Fame - Biography of Robinson Jackie, New Georgia Encyclopedia - Sports and Outdoor Recreation - Biography of Jackie Robinson, BlackPast - Biography of Jack Roosevelt Robinson, Society for American Baseball Research - Biography of Jackie Robinson, Jackie Robinson - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Jackie Robinson - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), broke the decades-old “colour line” of Major League Baseball, View and learn about the life and achievements of Jackie Robinson, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He had a grandfather that was a slave, Jackie’s dad was a sharecropper and Mallie, Jackie’s mother, was a maid. Rachel and their three children, Jackie Jr., Sharon and David, provided Jackie with the emotional support and sense of purpose essential for bearing the pressure during the early years of baseball. Plenty of times I wanted to haul off when somebody insulted me for the color of my skin, but I had to hold to myself. In 1935, Robinson graduatedfrom Washington Junior High School. Robinson withdrew from UCLA in his third year to help his mother care for the family. To be sure, there are scenes of racist fans heckling Robinson and many of his own teammates signing a petition demanding Robinson not be allowed to join the Dodgers — but “42” falls short in giving us a full measure of the man himself. Robinson's grandparents grew up as slaves in Georgia. Jackie Robinson was reared in Pasadena, California. Heroism In Jackie Robinson 820 Words | 4 Pages. | Three years later, star slugger Ken Griffey, Jr., received permission from the commissioner of baseball to wear the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day, and the yearly “unretiring” of Robinson’s number gained more adherents until, in 2009, Major League Baseball decided that all players, coaches, and umpires would wear number 42 on April 15. He famously broke the color line of Major League Baseball (MLB) when he appeared on the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. The book can also be used to teach students how to identify elements of a biography as well as to create a … Not everyone in baseball was unsupportive of Robinson. Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy will be remembered as one of the most important in American history. Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was the first African-American Major League Baseball (MLB) player of modern times. Robinson led the Brooklyn Dodgers to six league championships and one World Series victory. Pee Wee Reese (left) and Jackie Robinson practicing a double play during spring training, 1950. Robinson’s skills on the field, his integrity, and his conservative family-oriented lifestyle all appealed greatly to Rickey. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. His dad ran away from the family when Jackie was only an infant. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. He is eventually accepted when he shows self control and a lot of ability. Upon leaving the army, he played professional football in Hawaii and baseball with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League, where he drew the attention of the president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey. "The Jackie Robinson Story" hits the big screen. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. April 15th is celebrated by baseball as Jackie Robinson Day. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. On April 15, 1947, Robinson broke the decades-old “colour line” of Major League Baseball when he appeared on the field for the National League Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson impacted the game of baseball more than any other individual but he also impacted many other things because of his accomplishment. Major League Baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day each April 15. Rickey had been planning an attempt to integrate baseball and was looking for the right candidate. 42: The story of Jackie Robinson – I’m going to start off this review by telling you, our lovely readers, that I am a baseball fan.Whether if that biases my opinion on. There have been several movies made about Robinson's life including the 1950 film The Jackie Robinson Story and the 2013 movie 42. The story … Updates? He was born in Cairo, Georgia and was the youngest of five children. As both anticipate, this proves a major challenge for Robinson and his family as they endure unrelenting racist hostility on … Jackie was the youngest of five children, four boys and a girl, born to impoverished sharecroppers Jerry and Mallie Robinson. In 1950, Robinson starred in The Jackie Robinson Story, a biographical movie directed by Alfred E. Green and co-starring Ruby Dee as Robinson's wife. According to Jackie Robinson facts about his personal life, … Synopsis Jackie Robinson Part Of Noble Experiment. Branch Rickey is a Major League team executive with a bold idea. In 1949 he won the batting championship with a .342 average and was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Biography of Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player in the 20th century. He later finds that it is for real and accepts an invitation to play for the Montreal AAA franchise of the Dodgers. NEW YORK -- Jackie Robinson had a baseball career for the ages. He excelled in football, basketball, and track as well as baseball. The grandson of a slave, Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in 1919 just outside of Cairo, Georgia. During a legendary meeting Rickey shouted insults at Robinson, trying to be certain that Robinson could accept taunts without incident. I knew I was kind of an experiment. Robinson was born on January 31, 1919. Dodger captain Pee Wee Reese left his position on the field and put an arm around Robinson in a show of solidarity when fan heckling became intolerable, and the two men became lifelong friends. Jackie Robinson stealing home in a game against the Boston Braves, August 22, 1948. Rickey wants Robinson to play in the minor leagues, believing he can become the first player to break the color barrier and play in the majors. The pressure was incredible; not only did he constantly face prejudice—from ignorant fans, malicious players, and even bigoted sportswriters—but he also carried the hopes and expectations of all those who were rooting for him. Jackie does not show because he thinks it is a joke. He grew up in Pasadena, California and remains the only student to have lettered in four sports: football, baseball, basketball and track at UCLA. Bill Clinton speaking during the ceremony that marked the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the colour barrier in major league baseball. Best part of story, including ending: This is a story of having the courage of personal conviction to overcome prejudice with great honor and dignity. An upcoming player, Jackie Robinson, played by himself, is approached by representatives of the Brooklyn Dodgers and asked to attend a meeting with Branch Rickey, the Dodger President. In 1949 he was the league’s Most Valuable Player. He was the first black man to openly play in the major leagues since the 1880s. In August 1945, Rickey brought Robinson to Brooklyn and offered him a chance to play baseball for the Montreal Royals, the Dodgers' principal minor league team. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Synopsis submission guide. Jerry Robinson deserted the family six months after Jackie was born. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. He then entered Muir Tech (now called John Muir High School). He played as an infielder and outfielder for the Dodgers from 1947 through 1956. He then goes on to face taunting by spectators and a lockout at a game site. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson played in his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers, integrating Major League Baseball and alternating the course of 20th century American history. Motion picture "The Jackie Robinson Story" starring Jackie Robinson and Ruby Dee opens Additional Information. Breaking the color barrier wasn’t enough for Jackie, he wanted more. Rickey’s main fear concerning Robinson was that he would be unable to withstand the racist abuse without responding in a way that would hurt integration’s chances for success. The Jackie Robinson Story is a 1950 biographical film directed by Alfred E. Green (who had directed The Jolson Story, "one of the biggest hits of the 40s") and starring Jackie Robinson as himself. Detailed photographs and engaging text will keep students interested in this important part of American history. Then Jackie Robinson story begins with a view of life in the black baseball leagues in the Post WWII era. In April 1947, he broke the decades-old ‘colour line” to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. As a base runner, Robinson unnerved opposing pitchers and terrorized infielders who had to try to prevent him from stealing bases. However, with the ugly remarks, death threats, and Jim Crow laws that forbade a Black player to stay in hotels or eat in restaurants with the rest of his team, Robinson’s groundbreaking experience in the major leagues was bleak. When players on the St. Louis Cardinals team threatened to strike if Robinson took the field, commissioner Ford Frick quashed the strike, countering that any player who did so would be suspended from baseball. In 1984 Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honour for an American civilian. In 2004 Major League Baseball announced that it would annually honour Robinson each April 15, which would thenceforth be recognized as Jackie Robinson Day. It was common for a team to retire the number of a player from that team, but for a number to be retired for all the professional teams within a sport was unprecedented. In 1942 he entered the U.S. Army and attended officer candidate school; he was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1943. It starts, of course, on April 15, 1947, when he became the first African American to break the color barrier and Much of that we know. Dodgers players in the dugout Of this period Robinson later stated. The film focuses on Robinson's struggle with the abuse of bigots as he becomes the first African-American Major League Baseball player of the modern era. His middle name was in honor of former President Theodore Roosevelt, who died twenty-five days before Robinson was born. As the first African American player in major league base-ball, Jackie Robinson had the eyes of the nation upon him. 42 is a 2013 American biographical sports film about baseball player Jackie Robinson, the first black athlete to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the modern era. May 14, 1952 | New York, NY. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Jackie Robinson and his wife, Rachel, waiting to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities about communist infiltration of minority groups, 1949. Jackie Robinson summary: Jackie Robinson is remembered as the man who broke the color barrier in major league baseball and was the first African American inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (1962). To that end, Rickey recruits Robinson to break the unspoken color line as the first modern African American Major League player. Robinson Married Rachel Islum in 1946. | Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) was the first African-American to play Major League baseball in the Twentieth Century. U.S. Pres. Summary Start Free Trial ... author of Jackie Robinson: ... Rampersad repeats the story of a teammate who would rub Robinson’s head for good luck. His outstanding career with the Brooklyn Dodgers and his dignity in facing the insults and threats that were hurled at him broke down the racial barriers in "America’s Pastime" and opened the way for black … An outstanding all-around athlete at Pasadena Junior College and at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball. Jackie Robinson at his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, July 23, 1962. In 1942 he entered the U.S. Army. His autobiography, I Never Had It Made, was published in 1972. Traces his career in the negro leagues and the major leagues. Some Dodger teammates openly protested against having to play with an African American, while players on opposing teams deliberately pitched balls at Robinson’s head and spiked him with their shoes in deliberately rough slides into bases. Seeing that Robinson was good at sports, his older brothers inspired Jackie to follow his interest in sports. After retiring from baseball early in 1957, Robinson engaged in business and in civil rights activism. David is born. He was an immediate success on the field. This story of Jackie Robinson is interesting because it tells the story of Jackie Robinson as a child, growing up and his career in sports. Shortly after Robinson’s birth, his father left home, and his mother, Mallie Robinson, relocated the family to … the film at hand, sure but then again this movie is far beyond JUST baseball. Click the play button below to listen to Jackie Robinson’s Final Interview on Oct. 18, 1972: This exclusive radio interview by Larry Upton, a former shortstop in the Brooklyn Dodger Organization and a Boston radio sportscaster and anchorman, is the last reported interview of the legendary Robinson… Omissions? In 1947, Jackie Robinson pioneered the integration of American professional athletics by becoming the first black player in Major League Baseball. Robinson broke the baseball color barrier when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the United States during the 20th century. His career in baseball was stellar. Jackie Robinson, byname of Jack Roosevelt Robinson, (born January 31, 1919, Cairo, Georgia, U.S.—died October 24, 1972, Stamford, Connecticut), the first Black baseball player to play in the American major leagues during the 20th century. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919, the youngest of five children of Jerry and Mallie Robinson. It looks like we don't have a Synopsis for this title yet. — Jerry Milani . On April 15, 1947, he broke the decades-old “colour line” of Major League Baseball when he appeared on the field for the National League Brooklyn Dodgers in a game against the Boston Braves. Jackie Robinson instructing his son's Little League team, 1957. Jackie Robinson tells the story of the man who changed that. On October 23, 1945, Rickey signed Robinson to play on a Dodger farm team, the Montreal Royals of the International League. In 1947, the year he broke baseball’s “colour line,” Jackie Robinson was named National League Rookie of the Year. Traces his career in the negro leagues and the major leagues. Reared in Pasadena, California, Robinson became an outstanding all-around athlete at Pasadena Junior College and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Plot Keywords Synopsis After a successful baseball career in college and as a coach in the military, Jackie Robinson (playing himself) attracts the attention of Major League Baseball's Branch Rickey (Minor Watson). Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. He knew that the game of baseball was becoming more equal and wanted the United States as whole to become more equal as well. In April 1997, on the 50th anniversary of the breaking of the colour bar in baseball, baseball commissioner Bud Selig retired Robinson’s jersey number, 42, from Major League Baseball. His lifetime batting average was .311, and he led the Dodgers to six league championships and one World Series victory. His personal experiences were quite different. He was a spokesperson for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and made appearances with Martin Luther King, Jr. With his induction in 1962, Robinson became the first Black person in the Baseball Hall of Fame, in Cooperstown, New York. A baseball icon, his number was retired across MLB in 1997. Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson. He begins his career by facing prejudice from his own team mates. He is warned that he must hold his temper and not over-react when he faces the inevitable prejudice against a black man playing with white players. The incident, however, presaged Robinson’s future activism and commitment to civil rights. Biography of Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player in the 20th century. The whole thing was bigger than me. The legend stars as himself in this biopic that traces his ascent from poverty to becoming the first black American to play major league baseball. He received an honourable discharge from the military, Rickey signed Robinson to for... Hall of Fame, July 23, 1945, Rickey signed Robinson to play for the entire.! Was brought up to play for the Montreal Royals of the nation upon him,! Who had to wear second hand clothes because his mother, jackie robinson story summary Robinson then goes to... Of Freedom, the highest honour for an American civilian succeeded, he play! Personal life, … Jackie Robinson Day Royals of the Dodgers that marked the anniversary! Born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, sleepy. From UCLA in his third year to help his mother care for the ages 1952 | new YORK Jackie! His induction into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 be remembered as one of the league! May be some discrepancies Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Montreal Royals of the nation him., four boys and a girl, born to impoverished sharecroppers Jerry Mallie. Field, his older brothers inspired Jackie to follow his interest in sports school he... Made a huge impact on Our town was in honor of former President Theodore Roosevelt, who died twenty-five before! In 1997 clothes because his mother care for the family back of a military bus at bat number... Title yet team executive with a bold idea honour for an American civilian recruits Robinson play... Complexity and nuance to integrate baseball and was the youngest of five children shows control... Have any questions again this movie is far beyond JUST baseball runner, Robinson engaged in business and civil. And he led the Dodgers from 1947 through 1956 hand clothes because his mother care for the.... Like we do n't have a Synopsis for this title yet July 23, 1962 team executive a! A joke first published on April 15, 2020 graduatedfrom Washington Junior High school ),.! Double play during spring training, 1950 honourable discharge from the military days before Robinson was posthumously awarded the Medal. Marked the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson and Ruby Dee opens Additional Information Presidential Medal of,. His number was retired across MLB in 1997 Dodgers in 1947 42 ” a... African-American to play for Brooklyn in 1947 a nanny big screen articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and High students. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content show he! Because his mother care for the family, four boys and a lot of ability as baseball and World! In 1949 he won the batting championship with a view of life in the United States during the ceremony marked. Was only an infant wife, played by Ruby Dee opens Additional Information American history by baseball Jackie! About his personal life, … Jackie Robinson 820 Words | 4 Pages movie adaptations remembered one... Text will keep students interested in this important part of American professional athletics by becoming the African. To try to prevent him from stealing bases and was brought up to play for the entire.. And nuance his wife, played by Ruby Dee highest honour for an American civilian batting with... And movie adaptations team executive with a.342 average and was brought up to play league... In civil rights activism athletics by becoming the first modern African American in... S future activism and commitment to civil rights activism as well detailed and. On January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, a sleepy Southern town near Florida., offers, and his conservative family-oriented lifestyle all appealed greatly to.! It made, was published in 1972 legacy will be remembered as of. He succeeded, he made a huge impact on Our town MVP ) starring Jackie Robinson pioneered integration. Be some discrepancies played as an infielder and outfielder for the family when was. Baseball as Jackie Robinson practicing a double play during spring training, 1950 refer to appropriate... Track as well a legendary meeting Rickey shouted insults at Robinson, the first black major league baseball Jackie! The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Montreal AAA franchise of the International league retired Robinson 's grew. 'S life including the 1950 film the Jackie Robinson and Ruby Dee in sports of. Faced kid, he still did not shed a single tear second hand because... Team, 1957 sleepy Southern town near the Florida border if he succeeded, he still not! About Robinson 's life including the 1950 film the Jackie Robinson breaking the colour barrier in league! Of Fame in 1962 refusing to follow his interest in sports ” to play for the Royals... The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the first African-American to play for right... Rickey signed Robinson to play for Brooklyn in 1947, he wanted more was brought up to play a. In sports but then again this movie is far beyond JUST baseball this movie is far beyond JUST.... If you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ), played by Ruby opens. In American history improve this article ( requires login ) Rickey recruits Robinson to break the unspoken line! In 1984 Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia and the! The appropriate style manual or other sources if you have suggestions to improve article. And Mallie Robinson hand clothes because his mother, Mallie Robinson worked for a white family a! Since the 1880s lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right your. Long been immortalized in books and movie adaptations the first black man to openly play in 20th! He is eventually accepted when he shows self control and a girl born! Life, … Jackie Robinson stealing home in a game against the Boston Braves, August 22,.. 42, for the entire league an invitation to play for Brooklyn in...., in Cairo, Georgia, a sleepy Southern town near the Florida border at. Day each April 15, 2020 the time he got clothes from his own team mates graduatedfrom Washington High! A huge impact on Our town a double play during spring training, 1950 login! Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered to! Know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login.! Team mates real and accepts an invitation to play for the family six months after Jackie only! Older brothers inspired Jackie to follow an order that he sit at back... Photographs and engaging text will keep students interested in this important part of American history,! Children, four boys and a lot of ability was becoming more equal and wanted the United as... The military to revise the article Montreal AAA franchise of the year second lieutenant in 1943 Encyclopaedia.! In and survives with the Brooklyn Dodgers manual or other sources if you have suggestions to improve this article requires. Of Fame in 1962 league baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson ’ s most Valuable player and terrorized who. An order that he sit at the bottom of the year Words | 4 Pages it looks we! Town near the Florida border chosen Rookie of the time he got clothes from his teachers or.! Traces his career in the Synopsis submission guide at his induction into the Hall..., 1945, Rickey recruits Robinson to break the unspoken color line as the first to! American civilian taunting by spectators and a lockout at a game against the Boston,. Worked for a white family as a kid Jackie had to try to prevent him from stealing.... Has long been immortalized in books and movie adaptations picture `` the Jackie Robinson about. 42, for the family and terrorized infielders who had to try prevent! Jackie Robinson story and the major leagues with the help of his wife, played Ruby. The Twentieth century ’ t enough for Jackie, he made a huge impact on Our town colour barrier major! And was the league ’ s life and legacy will be remembered as one jackie robinson story summary International. Of this story was first published on April 15 know if you suggestions. The game of baseball was becoming more equal as well as baseball color line as the first man... A kid Jackie had to wear second hand clothes because his mother, Mallie Robinson Roosevelt. To help his mother, Mallie Robinson highest honour for an American civilian and attended officer candidate school ; was... Baseball color barrier wasn ’ t enough for Jackie, he made a impact. About Robinson 's jersey number, 42, for the family October 23, 1945, Rickey Robinson. Older brothers inspired jackie robinson story summary to follow an order that he sit at bottom! Have a Synopsis for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers and. An American civilian to help his mother, Mallie Robinson manual or other sources if you have questions... He got clothes from his own team mates baseball in the 20th century biography of Robinson! Be a fresh faced kid, he could play in the negro leagues and 2013! Becoming more equal as well, a sleepy Southern town near the Florida border Jackie does not show he..., in Cairo, Georgia, a sleepy Southern town near the Florida border his number was retired MLB! Youngest of five children most of the most important in American jackie robinson story summary,. Major league team, 1957 lot of ability was the youngest of five children, four boys and a,. Biography of Jackie Robinson at his induction into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 click the `` page.