Jackie Robinson: A Life Reclaimed

By Arnold Rampersad

Jackie Robinson was one of the most important figures in American history. He was a baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, and his story is a powerful reminder of the struggles for racial equality that have been waged in this country.

Jackie Robinson: A Biography

by Arnold Rampersad

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1028 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	756 pages

FREE

In this comprehensive biography, Arnold Rampersad tells the story of Robinson's life from his humble beginnings in Cairo, Georgia, to his rise to fame as a baseball player. Rampersad paints a vivid portrait of Robinson as a complex and contradictory figure, a man who was both brave and flawed, idealistic and pragmatic.

Robinson's story is a reminder that the fight for racial equality is a long and arduous one, but it is also a story of hope and triumph. Robinson's courage and determination helped to change the face of American society, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.

Early Life and Career

Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919. His father was a sharecropper, and his mother was a domestic servant. Robinson's family was poor, and they lived in a small frame house with no running water or electricity.

Despite the hardships he faced, Robinson was a gifted athlete. He played baseball, football, and basketball in high school, and he was a star running back on the football team at UCLA. After graduating from UCLA, Robinson signed a contract to play professional football with the Los Angeles Bulldogs.

Breaking the Color Barrier

In 1945, Robinson was signed by the Montreal Royals, a minor league baseball team owned by Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Rickey had been planning to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball for several years, and he believed that Robinson was the right man for the job.

Robinson made his debut with the Royals in 1946, and he quickly proved that he was a talented player. He hit .349 with 12 home runs and 40 stolen bases, and he helped the Royals win the International League championship.

In 1947, Robinson was called up to the Dodgers, and he made his Major League debut on April 15. He immediately faced racial taunts and threats from opposing players and fans, but he refused to be intimidated. He played with courage and determination, and he helped the Dodgers win the National League pennant.

Legacy

Jackie Robinson's legacy is immense. He broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, and he helped to pave the way for other African Americans to play in the major leagues. He was also a vocal advocate for civil rights, and he used his platform to speak out against racism and inequality.

Robinson died in 1972, but his legacy continues to live on. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in American history, and he continues to inspire people today.

Arnold Rampersad

Arnold Rampersad is a professor of English at Stanford University. He has written several books on African American history, including "Jackie Robinson: A Biography" (2000) and "The Art of the Long View: Five Classic Afro-American Novels" (2003).

Jackie Robinson: A Biography

by Arnold Rampersad

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1028 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	756 pages

FREE