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How Did Jackie Robinson Break The Color Barrier

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Jackie Robinson changed American history forever in 1947, when he became one of the most influential athletes to break the color barrier in pro sports, and many believe, the color barrier in America. Jackie Robinson was significant do to the way he handled all the criticism, and the way he persevered and showed courage to still play ball. Jackie Robinson faced a large amount racism in his attempt to get rid of the color barrier. Past rules didn’t allow African Americans to play in the Major League until 1946 (Robinson 46). His goal since he was a young kid was to play baseball despite the color of his skin. He went through a lot of criticism and racism, but he persevered and fought for what was right and broke the color barrier to play pro …show more content…

He overcame resistance from his teammates and hostility from opposing players and fans to have an amazing season. Robinson not only claimed National League Rookie of the year Award he also led the Dodgers to the World Series (Hillstrom, 37). Newspapers started calling him many racial names, but according to his contract he was not allowed to respond to any racial comments for three years when he signed (Hillstrom, 53). He could not defend himself or react in anyway. On March 17th, 1946 he played in his first Big League game in Daytona. In today’s game there are less and less African Americans playing baseball. With the increasing number of them playing basketball and football. Another reason for the drop in black players is due to coaching at younger ages. The unfair teaching/coaching is the main reason why the number African American players is dropping in today’s game. the number of blacks is dropping, but the number of Asians and Latinos is increasing. Asians and Latinos are becoming more and more popular in today’s game (Hillstrom, 112). Blacks, on opening day rosters in 1974, were at a high of twenty seven percent; and in 2005, that numbered dropped to just nine percent, (Hillstrom, 113). Blacks are disappearing from the game

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Jackie Robinson was the first African American to break the color barrier in baseball because he had so much support from many people. Jackie fought for rights even after his baseball career. Jacie received many hate letters and comments, but he refused to lose his temper. Many factors led to Jackie's success but 3 stood out, African American fans, Rachel[Jackie's wife], and Jackie s athletic career, without these three factors Jackie would not have been able to break the color barrier. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball as the first African American player because of the support he received from many people.

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Furthermore, one of the most influential and well-known major league baseball players is Jackie Robinson. As the player that broke down the color barrier within major league baseball, Jackie Robinson faced immense scrutiny throughout the beginning of his major league career. Branch Rickey was determined to bring a black player onto the Brooklyn Dodgers and show the country that race should not be the deciding factor for who can and cannot play baseball, the important part was the skill the athlete possessed (Robinson, Jackie. Jackie Robinson: I never had it made 1972). One of the clearest ways to observe the impact his race had on his baseball career is from the way his teammates and the audience treated him on a daily basis.

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He started practice with the Royals in Florida, but first went to spring training and experienced his first racial abuse on the way down to the south (Robinson 31). Reporters asked lots of questions like “What will you do if pitchers throw at you?” “Duck” he said (qtd in Robinson 31). He was part of the team now, but he had to skip the first practice because of death threats (Robinson 33). But he was able to go to the first game on April 18, 1946.

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“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives”- Jackie Robinson. Who else could these words come from? Of course they must come from the man who affected millions with one single life. Of course they must come from the man who proved everyone wrong, and broke down the barriers.

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