Jackie Robinson is known for his will and determination, in a game where African Americans were not allowed to play. Major league baseball (MLB), was the biggest professional baseball league in the country but was racially segregated. Growing up in poverty, Jackie Robinson faced many struggles. Jackie was a great athlete that could play multiple sports, just not major league baseball. He competed and excelled at numerous sports, including basketball and football. As good as an athlete he was, Jackie Robinson obtained a college degree and attended UCLA. He played baseball in the all black, Negro leagues, until he broke the MLB’s color barrier in 1947. Though Jackie was mostly known for his athletic abilities, he did his part as a civil rights …show more content…
He was the youngest of 5 children and his mother had to support the family after his father left the family a year after he was born.(Rampersad 15). In 1920, Robinson's mother had made the decision to move to Pasadena, California in hopes of new life. Though there was still racism in Pasadena, his mother, Mallie, campaigned against it. Mallie did her best in providing for the family but the family still lived in poverty.While in high school, Jackie's athletic skills did not go unnoticed. He lettered in 4 sports in high school; baseball, football, track, and basketball. Robinson went on to play these sports at Pasadena Community College and excelled in each sport. Robinson was known as a highly sought after college football player.(Kahn 90)Many schools wanted him to continue his education and play for them. After graduating from community college, Jackie went on to play sports at the University of California, Los Angeles. It was at UCLA where again Jackie Robinson shone as an all round athlete. He obtained varsity letters in football,baseball, track, and basketball.(Rampersad 27). Though Robinson never finishing his degree due to the war, UCLA is where he met his future wife, Rachel