Advertisement
Jackie Robinson Autobiography: A Legacy Etched in Ink
Introduction:
Stepping onto the diamond in 1947, Jackie Robinson didn't just break the color barrier in Major League Baseball; he shattered societal norms and became a symbol of hope and resilience. His story, powerfully told in his autobiography, I Never Had It Made, remains a vital and compelling read even decades later. This post delves deep into the significance of Jackie Robinson's autobiography, exploring its impact, key themes, and lasting legacy. We'll examine what makes this book not just a sports biography but a crucial historical document that continues to inspire generations. Prepare to discover why this book remains a cornerstone of American history and a testament to the indomitable spirit of a true legend.
H2: I Never Had It Made: More Than Just a Baseball Story
Jackie Robinson's autobiography, published in 1972, is far more than a recounting of his baseball career. While it details his phenomenal athletic achievements, including his groundbreaking season with the Brooklyn Dodgers and his subsequent success, the book offers a raw and honest account of the pervasive racism he encountered throughout his life. It’s a searing indictment of systemic prejudice, revealing the constant barrage of hateful abuse, both on and off the field, that he endured with remarkable grace and unwavering determination. The book isn't just about baseball statistics; it's a deeply personal narrative of a man fighting for equality and dignity in the face of immense adversity.
H2: Key Themes Explored in Jackie Robinson's Autobiography
The Weight of Expectation: Robinson's autobiography poignantly illustrates the immense pressure he faced, not only to succeed on the field but also to represent the hopes and aspirations of an entire race. He carried the weight of a movement on his shoulders, a burden few could comprehend. The book reveals the internal struggle between his desire for personal achievement and his responsibility to be a symbol of progress for Black Americans.
The Power of Perseverance: Facing relentless bigotry, Robinson’s perseverance stands as a testament to his strength of character. The book highlights instances of his unwavering resolve, demonstrating how he channeled his anger and frustration into focused determination to prove himself both as a player and as a human being deserving of respect.
The Fight for Civil Rights: I Never Had It Made provides invaluable insight into the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th century. It illuminates the daily struggles faced by Black Americans and provides a firsthand account of the discrimination that permeated every aspect of life, from employment and housing to public accommodations and social interactions. Robinson's story becomes a microcosm of a much larger fight for equality.
The Importance of Non-violent Resistance: While facing constant provocation, Robinson's commitment to non-violent resistance is a central theme of the book. His deliberate strategy of turning the other cheek, despite the overwhelming injustices he faced, became a powerful symbol of the efficacy of non-violent protest in the face of overwhelming oppression. This tactic, meticulously detailed in the autobiography, provided a blueprint for activists in the years to come.
H2: The Lasting Impact of Jackie Robinson's Autobiography
Jackie Robinson’s autobiography continues to resonate today, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality. Its unflinching honesty and compelling narrative have secured its place as a crucial historical document, educating readers about the realities of racial prejudice and the importance of fighting for social justice. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and a powerful call to action for future generations to continue the fight for equality.
H2: Beyond the Book: Robinson's Enduring Legacy
The legacy of Jackie Robinson extends far beyond his autobiography. His contributions to baseball, and his role as a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, cemented his place as an American icon. His courage, grace, and unwavering commitment to equality continue to inspire athletes, activists, and individuals across the globe. His story, meticulously chronicled in I Never Had It Made, serves as a constant reminder of the importance of fighting for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against you. The book itself has become a powerful teaching tool, used in schools and universities to educate future generations about the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights era.
Conclusion:
Jackie Robinson's autobiography, I Never Had It Made, is more than just a sports story; it's a profound and deeply personal account of resilience, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of equality. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit and a crucial historical document that continues to inform and inspire readers today. By reading this autobiography, one gains not only an understanding of Jackie Robinson's remarkable life but also a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing fight for social justice.
FAQs:
1. Is Jackie Robinson's autobiography suitable for young readers? While the themes are complex, adapted versions and age-appropriate discussions make it accessible to young readers, fostering important conversations about history and social justice.
2. Where can I find a copy of I Never Had It Made? The autobiography is widely available through online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as local bookstores and libraries.
3. What makes Robinson's autobiography stand out from other sports biographies? It transcends the realm of sports, offering a raw and unflinching look at systemic racism and the fight for civil rights.
4. How did Robinson’s autobiography impact the Civil Rights Movement? It provided a powerful first-hand account of the prejudice faced by Black Americans, further fueling the movement and galvanizing support for change.
5. Are there any other books or resources that complement Robinson’s autobiography? Many biographies and historical accounts of the Civil Rights Movement offer valuable contextual information, enriching the reading experience of Robinson’s personal narrative.
| jackie robinson autobiography: I Never Had It Made Jackie Robinson, Alfred Duckett, 2013-03-19 The New York Times–bestselling autobiography of Jackie Robinson, barrier-breaking Brooklyn Dodger and civil rights legend: “An American classic.” —Entertainment Weekly Before Barry Bonds, before Reggie Jackson, before Hank Aaron, baseball's stars had one undeniable trait in common: they were all white. In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke that barrier, striking a crucial blow for racial equality and changing the world of sports forever. I Never Had It Made is Robinson's own candid, hard-hitting account of what it took to become the first black man in history to play in the major leagues. I Never Had It Made recalls Robinson’s early years and influences: his time at UCLA, where he became the school’s first four-letter athlete; his army stint during World War II, when he challenged Jim Crow laws and narrowly escaped court martial; his years of frustration, on and off the field, with the Negro Leagues; and finally that fateful day when Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers proposed what became known as the “Noble Experiment”—Robinson would step up to bat to integrate and revolutionize baseball. More than a sports story, I Never Had It Made also reveals the highs and lows of Robinson’s life after baseball. He recounts his political aspirations and civil rights activism; his friendships with Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, William Buckley, Jr., and Nelson Rockefeller; and his troubled relationship with his son, Jackie, Jr. It endures as an inspiring story of a man whose heroism extended well beyond the playing field. “Affecting and candid . . . I Never Had It Made offers compelling testimony about the realities of being Black in America from an author who long ago became more a monument than a man, and his memoir is an illuminating meditation on racism not only in the national pastime but in the nation itself.” —The New York Times “A disturbing and enlightening self-portrait by one of America’s genuine heroes.” —Publishers Weekly “An important book that should be widely read.” —The New York Times Book Review |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Jennifer Strand, 2016-08-15 The first black player in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson was a true trailblazer. An easy-to-read narrative and historic photographs bring readers back to this historic time. Historic photos and easy-to-read text take readers into the athlete’s life. Zoom in even deeper with quick stats, a timeline, and bolded glossary terms. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo Zoom is a division of ABDO. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: 42 Today MichaeL G Long, Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon, 2021-02-09 Explores Jackie Robinson’s compelling and complicated legacy Before the United States Supreme Court ruled against segregation in public schools, and before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, Jackie Robinson walked onto the diamond on April 15, 1947, as first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers, making history as the first African American to integrate Major League Baseball in the twentieth century. Today a national icon, Robinson was a complicated man who navigated an even more complicated world that both celebrated and despised him. Many are familiar with Robinson as a baseball hero. Few, however, know of the inner turmoil that came with his historic status. Featuring piercing essays from a range of distinguished sportswriters, cultural critics, and scholars, this book explores Robinson’s perspectives and legacies on civil rights, sports, faith, youth, and nonviolence, while providing rare glimpses into the struggles and strength of one of the nation’s most athletically gifted and politically significant citizens. Featuring a foreword by celebrated directors and producers Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, this volume recasts Jackie Robinson’s legacy and establishes how he set a precedent for future civil rights activism, from Black Lives Matter to Colin Kaepernick. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson: My Own Story Jackie Robinson, Wendell Smith, 2016-01-18 Autobiography of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, beginning with his athletic career and dealing particularly with baseball and the first step toward equal participation by African Americans in this great sport. “I believe that a man’s race, color, and religion should never constitute a handicap. The denial to anyone, anywhere, any time of equality of opportunity to work is incomprehensible to me. Moreover, I believe that the American public is not as concerned with a first baseman’s pigmentation as it is with the power of his swing, the dexterity of his slide, the gracefulness of his fielding, or the speed of his legs.”—From Foreword by Branch Hickey |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?: A Who Was? Board Book Lisbeth Kaiser, Who HQ, 2020-12-08 Introducing the latest addition to the Who HQ program: board book biographies of relevant and important figures, created specifically for the preschool audience! The #1 New York Times Bestselling Who Was? series expands into the board book space, bringing age-appropriate biographies of influential figures to readers ages 2-4. The chronology and themes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and work of one of the most influential civil rights activists of our time. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: I Never Had it Made Jackie Robinson, Alfred Duckett, 1972 Autobiography of an African American who broke the color barrier in major league baseball and devoted his life to achieving justice. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Lola M. Schaefer, 2003 A brief biography of the man who was the first African American baseball player on a major league team, as well as the first African American elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Who Was Jackie Robinson? Gail Herman, Who HQ, 2010-12-23 As a kid, Jackie Robinson loved sports. And why not? He was a natural at football, basketball, and, of course, baseball. But beyond athletic skill, it was his strength of character that secured his place in sports history. In 1947 Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the long-time color barrier in major league baseball. It was tough being first- not only did fans send hate mail but some of his own teammates refused to accept him. Here is an inspiring sports biography, with black-and-white illustrations throughout. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson David A. Adler, 1994 The first African American to play in the major leagues. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson Bette Bao Lord, 2019-04-02 A timeless classic that will enchant readers who love Jennifer L. Holm and Thanhhà Lại, about an immigrant girl inspired by the sport she loves to find her own home team—and to break down any barriers that stand in her way. Shirley Temple Wong sails from China to America with a heart full of dreams. Her new home is Brooklyn, New York. America is indeed a land full of wonders, but Shirley doesn't know any English, so it's hard to make friends. Then a miracle happens: baseball! It's 1947, and Jackie Robinson, star of the Brooklyn Dodgers, is a superstar. Suddenly Shirley is playing stickball with her class and following Jackie as he leads the Brooklyn Dodgers to victory after victory. With her hero smashing assumptions and records on the ball field, Shirley begins to feel that America is truly the land of opportunity—and perhaps has also become her real home. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: 42 Is Not Just a Number Doreen Rappaport, 2017-09-05 An eye-opening look at the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball and became an American hero. Baseball, basketball, football — no matter the game, Jackie Robinson excelled. His talents would have easily landed another man a career in pro sports, but in America in the 1930s and ’40s, such opportunities were closed to athletes like Jackie for one reason: his skin was the wrong color. Settling for playing baseball in the Negro Leagues, Jackie chafed at the inability to prove himself where it mattered most: the major leagues. Then in 1946, Branch Rickey, manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, decided he was going to break the “rules” of segregation: he recruited Jackie Robinson. Fiercely determined, Jackie faced cruel and sometimes violent hatred and discrimination, but he proved himself again and again, exhibiting courage, restraint, and a phenomenal ability to play the game. In this compelling biography, award-winning author Doreen Rappaport chronicles the extraordinary life of Jackie Robinson and how his achievements won over — and changed — a segregated nation. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Testing the Ice Sharon Robinson, 2009 Sharon Robinson, the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, has crafted a hearwarming, true story about growing up with her father. When Jackie Robinson retires from baseball and moves his family to Connecticut, the beautiful lake on their property is the center of everyone's fun. The neighborhood children join the Robinson kids for swimming and boating. But oddly, Jackie never goes near the water. In a dramatic episode that first winter, the children beg to go ice skating on the lake. Jackie says they can go--but only after he tests the ice to make sure it's safe. The children prod and push to get Jackie outside, until hesitantly, he finally goes. Like a blind man with a stick, (contd.) |
| jackie robinson autobiography: The Story of Jackie Robinson Andrea Thorpe, 2021-04-06 Discover the life of Jackie Robinson—a story about breaking down barriers for kids ages 6 to 9 Jackie Robinson was the first Black Major League Baseball player and an important civil rights leader. Before he made history as a pioneer in sports, Jackie was a hardworking kid who loved to play all kinds of ball games. When Jackie was growing up, Black and white sports players in the United States were not treated the same way. He used his amazing baseball talent to help bring all players together and work toward ending the unfair treatment of Black players. Explore how Jackie went from being a thoughtful young boy growing up in California to an American role model and activist. Independent reading—This Jackie Robinson biography is broken down into short chapters and simple language so kids 6 to 9 can read and learn on their own. Critical thinking—Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Jackie's life, find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more. A lasting legacy—Explore how Jackie Robinson made the world a better place for future generations, including you! How will Jackie's hard work and dedication inspire you? Discover activists, artists, and athletes, and more from all across history with the rest of The Story Of series, including famous figures like: Misty Copeland, Simone Biles, Babe Ruth, Ella Fitzgerald, and Kamala Harris. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson: A Spiritual Biography Michael G. Long, Chris Lamb, 2017-03-10 Jackie Robinson believed in a God who sides with the oppressed and who calls us to see one another as sisters and brothers. This faith was a powerful but quiet engine that drove and sustained him as he shattered racial barriers on and beyond the baseball diamond. Jackie Robinson: A Spiritual Biography explores the faith that, Robinson said, carried him through the torment and abuse he suffered for integrating the major leagues and drove him to get involved in the civil rights movement. Marked by sacrifice and service, inclusiveness and hope, Robinson's faith shaped not only his character but also baseball and America itself. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Mary Linge, 2007-07-30 When the Brooklyn Dodgers recruited Jackie Robinson from the Negro Leagues' Kansas City Monarchs in 1947, it marked a turning point both in baseball and civil rights history. Robinson became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues, and in doing so, led generations of black players into the previously all-white world of professional baseball. As one of the greatest players professional baseball has ever seen, Robinson fought fiercely for civil rights on and off the diamond throughout his lifetime, and in doing so became a great American hero. Mary Kay Linge recounts the extraordinary story of Robinson's life-from his early childhood in the South, to his college years at UCLA, to becoming a Hall of Famer and a major figure in the NAACP. In analyzing the surrounding social and cultural contexts of Robinson's time, this biography examines the legacy of a man who forever changed baseball. A timeline, statistical appendix, bibliography of print and electronic sources for further reading, and photographs enhance this biography. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: I am Jackie Robinson Brad Meltzer, 2015-01-08 We can all be heroes is the message entertainingly told in this New York Times Bestselling picture-book biography series, with this title focusing on groundbreaking baseball player, Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren't fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn't allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first Black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America. This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are: • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history • Photos that bring the story more fully to life • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable • Childhood moments that influenced the hero • Facts that make great conversation-starters • A virtue this person embodies: Jackie Robinson's bravery led him to make his mark in baseball history. You’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series! |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Rachel Robinson, Lee Daniels, 1998 In an evocative, humorous, and personal style, Rachel Robinson reveals her husband as a sensitive and committed individual--to both his family and the public. Her keen observations and sharp memories are enhanced by a collection of over 300 photographs that allow readers into the late baseball player's life. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Baseball's Great Experiment Jules Tygiel, 1997 Offers a history of African American exclusion from baseball, and assesses the changing racial attitudes that led up to Jackie Robinson's acceptance by the Brooklyn Dodgers. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Young Jackie Robinson Edward Farrell, 1992-01 A biography of the first black player in modern American major league baseball, emphasizing the prejudice he had to overcome by sheer courage. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson David A. Adler, 1997-03 Recounts the life of Jackie Robinson, the Black baseball player who broke major league baseball's color barrier |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America Sharon Robinson, 2016-11-29 The bestselling classic biography of Jackie Robinson, America's legendary baseball player and civil rights activist, told from the unique perspective of an insider: his only daughter. Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball -- and taught his children that the only measure of life is the impact you have on others lives'. Promises to Keep is the story of Jackie Robinson's hard-won victories in baseball, business, politics, and civil rights. It looks at the inspiring effect the legendary Brooklyn Dodger had on his family, his community ... his country. Told from the unique perspective of Robinson's only daughter, this intimate and uplifting book includes photos from the Robinson family archives and family letters never published before. Jackie Robinson is one our great national heroes. Promises to Keep reminds us what made him a champion -- on and off the field! |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Teammates Peter Golenbock, 1990 Describes the racial prejudice experienced by Jackie Robinson when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first Black player in Major League baseball and depicts the acceptance and support he received from his white teammate Pee Wee Reese. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Sally M. Walker, 2002-01-01 Describes the life and accomplishments of baseball star Jackie Robinson, who became the first African American in twentieth-century major-league baseball. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Arnold Rampersad, 1997 Details the life of the first African American to play baseball in the major-leagues, Jackie Robinson. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Herb Dunn, 2014-08-12 A narrative portrait concentrating on the childhood of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and growing up in Pasadena, California during segregation in the 1920's and the influences that shaped his subsequent athletic achievements. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: I Never Had It Made Jackie Robinson, 1995-01 |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Golden Marcus Thompson, 2017-04-11 The #1 national bestseller and inside story of Steph Curry, the greatest shooter basketball has ever seen. Golden is the first book to provide an all-access look at Steph Curry and the team that has fueled Dub Nation—by longtime Warriors beat reporter and Bay Area News Group sports columnist Marcus Thompson, the go-to expert on all things Golden State. A lifelong Warriors fan turned insider Thompson is uniquely qualified to tell the definitive story of a singular talent, pulling back the curtain on the crazy work ethic and on-court intensity that make Curry great—and the emphasis on family and faith that keeps him grounded. Combining the competitive grit and fun-loving spirit of his mother with the mild demeanor, easy charm, and sharp shooting of his father, former NBA player Dell Curry, Steph Curry derives support and strength from his close-knit kin and his commitment to Christianity. This hard-working, wholesome image however is both a blessing and curse in a League of big personalities. Thompson unravels the complicated underpinnings of the Steph Curry hate with a nuanced analysis of how class and complexion come into play when a child with an NBA pedigree becomes the face of a sport traditionally honed on inner-city black top and dominated by the less privileged. With unprecedented access, Thompson draws from exclusive interviews with Steph Curry, his family, his teammates, Coach Steve Kerr, and the Warriors owners to bring readers inside the locker room and courtside with this remarkable athlete and man. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: The Hero Two Doors Down: Based on the True Story of Friendship between a Boy and a Baseball Legend Sharon Robinson, 2016-01-26 The bestselling novel based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson. Stephen Satlow is an eight-year-old boy living in Brooklyn, New York, which means he only cares about one thing-the Dodgers. Steve and his father spend hours reading the sports pages and listening to games on the radio. Aside from an occasional run-in with his teacher, life is pretty simple for Steve. But then Steve hears a rumor that an African American family is moving to his all-Jewish neighborhood. It's 1948 and some of his neighbors are against it. Steve knows this is wrong. His hero, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier in baseball the year before. Then it happens--Steve's new neighbor is none other than Jackie Robinson! Steve is beyond excited about living two doors down from the Robinson family. He can't wait to meet Jackie. This is going to be the best baseball season yet! How many kids ever get to become friends with their hero? |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Wil Mara, 2003-02-01 Presents a brief look at the life of Jackie Robinson |
| jackie robinson autobiography: First Class Citizenship Michael G. Long, 2007-10-02 Never-before-published letters offer a rich portrait of the baseball star as a fearless advocate for racial justice at the highest levels of American politics Jackie Robinson's courage on the baseball diamond is one of the great stories of the struggle for civil rights in America, and his Hall of Fame career speaks for itself. But we no longer hear Robinson speak for himself; his death at age fifty-three in 1972 robbed America of his voice far too soon. In First Class Citizenship, Jackie Robinson comes alive on the page for the first time in decades. The scholar Michael G. Long has unearthed a remarkable trove of Robinson's correspondence with—and personal replies from—such towering figures as Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Hubert Humphrey, Nelson Rockefeller, and Barry Goldwater. These extraordinary conversations reveal the scope and depth of Robinson's effort during the 1950s and 1960s to rid America of racism. Writing eloquently and with evident passion, Robinson charted his own course, offering his support to Democrats and to Republicans, questioning the tactics of the civil rights movement, and challenging the nation's leaders when he felt they were guilty of hypocrisy—or worse. Through his words as well as his actions, Jackie Robinson truly personified the first class citizenship that he considered the birthright of all Americans, whatever their race. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Opening Day Jonathan Eig, 2008-04 A chronicle of the 1947 baseball season during which Jackie Robinson broke the race barrier is a sixtieth anniversary tribute based on interviews with Robinson's wife, daughter, and teammates. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Jennifer Strand, 2017 The first black player in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson was a true trailblazer. An easy-to-read narrative and historic photographs bring readers back to this historic time. Historic photos and easy-to-read text take readers into the athlete's life. Zoom in even deeper with quick stats, a timeline, and bolded glossary terms. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Abdo Zoom is a division of ABDO. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: 42 Faith Ed Henry, 2017-04-04 Jackie Robinson, Branch Rickey, and the hidden hand of God that changed history Journalist and baseball lover Ed Henry reveals for the first time the backstory of faith that guided Jackie Robinson into not only the baseball record books but the annals of civil rights advancement as well. Through recently discovered sermons, interviews with Robinson’s family and friends, and even an unpublished book by the player himself, Henry details a side of Jackie’s humanity that few have taken the time to see. Branch Rickey, the famed owner who risked it all by signing Jackie to his first contract, is also shown as a complex individual who wanted nothing more than to make his God-fearing mother proud of him. Few know the level at which Rickey struggled with his decision, only moving forward after a private meeting with a minister he’d just met. It turns out Rickey was not as certain about signing Robinson as historians have always assumed. With many baseball stories to enthrall even the most ardent enthusiast, 42 Faith also digs deep into why Jackie was the man he was and what both drove him and challenged him after his retirement. From his early years before baseball, to his time with Rickey and the Dodgers, to his failing health in his final years, we see a man of faith that few have recognized. This book will add a whole new dimension to Robinson’s already awe-inspiring legacy. Yes, Jackie and Branch are both still heroes long after their deaths. Now, we learn more fully than ever before, there was an assist from God too. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Beyond Home Plate Michael G. Long, 2013-03-08 Jackie Robinson is one of the most revered public figures of the twentieth century. He is remembered for both his athletic prowess and his strong personal character. The world knows him as the man who crossed baseball’s color line, but there is much more to his legacy. At the conclusion of his baseball career, Robinson continued in his pursuit of social progress through his work as a writer. Beyond Home Plate, an anthology of Jackie Robinson’s columns in the New York Post and the New York Amsterdam News, offers fresh insight into the Hall of Famer’s life and work following his historic years on the baseball diamond. Robinson’s syndicated newspaper columns afforded him the opportunity to provide rich social commentary while simultaneously exploring his own life and experiences. He was free to write about any subject of his choosing, and he took full advantage of this license, speaking his mind about everything from playing Santa to confronting racism in the Red Sox nation, from loving his wife Rachel to despising Barry Goldwater, from complaining about Cassius Clay’s verbosity to teaching Little Leaguers how to lose well. Robinson wrote to prod and provoke, inflame and infuriate, and sway and persuade. With their pointed opinions, his columns reveal that the mature Robinson was a truly American prophet, a civil rights leader in his own right, furious with racial injustice and committed to securing first class citizenship for all. These fascinating columns also depict Robinson as an indebted son, a devoted husband, a tenderhearted father, and a hardworking community leader. Robinson believed that his life after his baseball career was far more important than all of his baseball exploits. Beyond Home Plate shows why he believed this so fervently. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson Matt Christopher, Glenn Stout, 2009-12-02 The story of legendary Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play major league baseball, is recounted in this title. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson: American Hero Sharon Robinson, 2013-03-01 Just in time for the major motion picture release, discover everything you wanted to know about Jackie Robinson! To tie- in with the April 2013 release of the movie 42, the life story of Jackie Robinson, this full-color comprehensive biography will feature everything there is to know about this inspiring American hero. The movie, featuring high-profile actors such as Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni, and T.R. Knight, explores Robinson's history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey. The biography will explore what led up to Robinson's signing and what happened after. As the first black man to play major league baseball, his progress monumentally influenced the desegregation of baseball. Because of this, Robinson became an icon for not only the sport of baseball, but also for the civil -rights movement. Featuring photos throughout, this biography will be a sports tale and a history lesson. It will coincide with the movie and also provide many more Robinson details, introducing him to a new generation of readers. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Stealing Home Barry Denenberg, 1990-05 Jackie Robinson was a great athlete, but his destiny went far beyond the baseball diamond where he first became famous. He was a symbol of courage, hope, and unity for all Americans and for people throughout the world. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie Robinson: My Own Story Jackie Robinson, Wendell Smith, 2008-06-01 This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: Jackie & Me Dan Gutman, 2009-10-06 With more than 2 million books sold, the Baseball Card Adventures bring the greatest players in history to life! Like every other kid in his class, Joe Stoshack has to write a report on an African American who's made an important contribution to society. Unlike every other kid in his class, Joe has a special talent: with the help of old baseball cards, he can travel through time. So, for his report, Joe decides to go back to meet one of the greatest baseball players ever, Jackie Robinson, to find out what it was like to be the man who broke baseball's color barrier. Joe plans on writing a prize-winning report. But he doesn't plan on a trip that will for a short time change the color of his skin—and forever change his view of history and his definition of courage. With historical photos and back matter to separate the facts from the fiction, New York Times bestselling author Dan Gutman takes readers on a page-turning trip through baseball’s past. |
| jackie robinson autobiography: The Years of Rice and Salt Kim Stanley Robinson, 2003-06-03 With the same unique vision that brought his now classic Mars trilogy to vivid life, bestselling author Kim Stanley Robinson boldly imagines an alternate history of the last seven hundred years. In his grandest work yet, the acclaimed storyteller constructs a world vastly different from the one we know. . . . “A thoughtful, magisterial alternate history from one of science fiction’s most important writers.”—The New York Times Book Review It is the fourteenth century and one of the most apocalyptic events in human history is set to occur—the coming of the Black Death. History teaches us that a third of Europe’s population was destroyed. But what if the plague had killed 99 percent of the population instead? How would the world have changed? This is a look at the history that could have been—one that stretches across centuries, sees dynasties and nations rise and crumble, and spans horrible famine and magnificent innovation. Through the eyes of soldiers and kings, explorers and philosophers, slaves and scholars, Robinson navigates a world where Buddhism and Islam are the most influential and practiced religions, while Christianity is merely a historical footnote. Probing the most profound questions as only he can, Robinson shines his extraordinary light on the place of religion, culture, power—and even love—in this bold New World. “Exceptional and engrossing.”—New York Post “Ambitious . . . ingenious.”—Newsday |
Who Was Jackie Robinson? - Treasure Bay
for Jackie than for any other ballplayer of his time. Why? Jackie Robinson was black. In 1947, when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, he was the first and only African American on the team. …
Biography of Jackie Robinson - Aetna Breaking Barriers
Jackie Robinson made history by breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Signed as a Brooklyn Dodger in 1947, Robinson suffered constant abuse, racial slurs, even physical …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson …
white In 1947 Jackie Robinson broke that barrier striking a crucial blow for racial equality and changing the world of sports forever I Never Had It Made is Robinson s own candid hard …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
1947 Jackie Robinson broke that barrier striking a crucial blow for racial equality and changing the world of sports forever I Never Had It Made is Robinson s own candid hard hitting account of …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
How Jackie Robinson Changed America Sharon Robinson,2016-11-29 A warm intimate portrait of Jackie Robinson America s sports icon told from the unique perspective of a unique insider his …
Jackie Robinson A Spiritual Biography - Westminster John …
Introduction. “God Is with Us in This, Jackie”: The Meeting of the Methodists. Jackie Robinson met Brooklyn Dodgers president Branch Rickey for the first time shortly after 10:00 a.m. on August …
Jackie Robinson Autobiography
Jackie Robinson's autobiography, published in 1972, is far more than a recounting of his baseball career. While it details his phenomenal athletic achievements, including his groundbreaking …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
Never Had It Made: The Autobiography of Jackie Robinson WEB"I Never Had It Made" is Robinson's own candid, hard- hitting account of what it took to become the first black man in …
Books Of Jackie Robinson (2024) - interactive.cornish.edu
Chapter 1: Jackie Robinson's Autobiography – I Never Had It Made: Deep dive into his autobiography, analyzing its impact and limitations. Chapter 2: Key Biographical Accounts: …
Module 08: Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Leader? Resources
Draws on oral histories to tell the story of the Negro League from players' perspectives. Jackie Robinson and Alfred Duckett, I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography (Hopewell, N.J.: Ecco …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson is one of the best book in our library for free trial. We provide copy of I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson in digital format, so the …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson ; …
I Never Had It Made: The Autobiography of Jackie Robinson Jan 1, 1997 · I Never Had It Made is Jackie Robinson's own candid, hard-hitting autobiographical account of what it took to become …
Jackie Robinson - studenttheses.universiteitleiden.nl
authoritative biography on Jackie Robinson until Arnold Rampersad wrote one.15 With his biography Rampersad wanted to show the man behind the myth. He argued that Robinson’s …
An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson: A Testament to …
Through his gripping autobiography, "An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson," we are granted an intimate glimpse into the trials and tribulations, triumphs and heartbreaks that shaped this …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson , …
Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson's …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
The Enigmatic Realm of I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson: Unleashing the Language is Inner Magic In a fast-paced digital era where connections and knowledge …
Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson: Interview Essay
In his autobiography, I Never Had it Made, Jackie remembers Rickey concluding the grueling interview by saying, "We can't fight our way through this, Robinson. We've got no army, there's …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson …
Ignite the flame of optimism with Get Inspired by is motivational masterpiece, I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson . In a downloadable PDF format ( *), this ebook is a …
Jackie Robinson Autobiography
The extraordinary life of Jackie Robinson is illuminated as never before in this full-scale biography by Arnold Rampersad, who was chosen by Jack's widow, Rachel, to tell her husband's story, …
Who Was Jackie Robinson? - Treasure Bay
for Jackie than for any other ballplayer of his time. Why? Jackie Robinson was black. In 1947, when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, he was the first and only African American on the team. …
Biography of Jackie Robinson - Aetna Breaking Barriers
Jackie Robinson made history by breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Signed as a Brooklyn Dodger in 1947, Robinson suffered constant abuse, racial slurs, even physical …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson …
white In 1947 Jackie Robinson broke that barrier striking a crucial blow for racial equality and changing the world of sports forever I Never Had It Made is Robinson s own candid hard …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
1947 Jackie Robinson broke that barrier striking a crucial blow for racial equality and changing the world of sports forever I Never Had It Made is Robinson s own candid hard hitting account of …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
How Jackie Robinson Changed America Sharon Robinson,2016-11-29 A warm intimate portrait of Jackie Robinson America s sports icon told from the unique perspective of a unique insider his …
Jackie Robinson A Spiritual Biography - Westminster John …
Introduction. “God Is with Us in This, Jackie”: The Meeting of the Methodists. Jackie Robinson met Brooklyn Dodgers president Branch Rickey for the first time shortly after 10:00 a.m. on August …
Jackie Robinson Autobiography
Jackie Robinson's autobiography, published in 1972, is far more than a recounting of his baseball career. While it details his phenomenal athletic achievements, including his groundbreaking …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
Never Had It Made: The Autobiography of Jackie Robinson WEB"I Never Had It Made" is Robinson's own candid, hard- hitting account of what it took to become the first black man in …
Books Of Jackie Robinson (2024) - interactive.cornish.edu
Chapter 1: Jackie Robinson's Autobiography – I Never Had It Made: Deep dive into his autobiography, analyzing its impact and limitations. Chapter 2: Key Biographical Accounts: …
Module 08: Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Leader? …
Draws on oral histories to tell the story of the Negro League from players' perspectives. Jackie Robinson and Alfred Duckett, I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography (Hopewell, N.J.: Ecco …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson is one of the best book in our library for free trial. We provide copy of I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson in digital format, so the …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson …
I Never Had It Made: The Autobiography of Jackie Robinson Jan 1, 1997 · I Never Had It Made is Jackie Robinson's own candid, hard-hitting autobiographical account of what it took to become …
Jackie Robinson - studenttheses.universiteitleiden.nl
authoritative biography on Jackie Robinson until Arnold Rampersad wrote one.15 With his biography Rampersad wanted to show the man behind the myth. He argued that Robinson’s …
An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson: A Testament to …
Through his gripping autobiography, "An Autobiography of Jackie Robinson," we are granted an intimate glimpse into the trials and tribulations, triumphs and heartbreaks that shaped this …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson …
Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. The author explores the fascinating circumstances surrounding Jackie Robinson's …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson
The Enigmatic Realm of I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson: Unleashing the Language is Inner Magic In a fast-paced digital era where connections and knowledge …
Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson: Interview Essay
In his autobiography, I Never Had it Made, Jackie remembers Rickey concluding the grueling interview by saying, "We can't fight our way through this, Robinson. We've got no army, there's …
I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson …
Ignite the flame of optimism with Get Inspired by is motivational masterpiece, I Never Had It Made An Autobiography Of Jackie Robinson . In a downloadable PDF format ( *), this ebook is a …
