Early Life
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. He had a family of sharecroppers. Jerry Robinson, Jackie's dad, ran out on the family shortly after Jackie's birth. So, Mallie Robinson, Jackie's mother, raised five children, including Jackie (the youngest), by herself. The Robinson family was the only black family in their entire block, which ultimately lead to a lot of prejudice. However, this prejudice would lead to the strengthening bond of the Robinson family. Jackie was able to excel in all sports early, from marbles to football, golf to baseball, despite growing up in a big family that was raised by one parent. Also, he was able to figure out how to take care of himself in life. Jackie attended John Muir High School. He also attended Pasadena Junior College. In 1938, Jackie was named the region's MVP in baseball.
Matthew Robinson, Jackie's older brother, influenced him to pursue his love and talent in the athletic field. Matthew himself won a silver medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games in the 200-meter-dash. He was second to Jesse Owens.
When it came time for college, Jackie decided to attend UCLA, the University of California at Los Angeles. At this university, he became the first student-athlete able to win four varsity letters, or awards. These four sports were baseball (of course), basketball (point guard), football, and track (long jumper). Jackie was eventually named part of the All-American team at UCLA in 1941. However, Jackie was forced to leave UCLA just shy of graduation because of financial hardships.
Jackie then moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. There, he would play for the Honolulu Bears, a semi-professional football team. His season with the Bears, however, was cut short when World War II came around.
It is hard to believe that such a great baseball player like Jackie Robinson could have come from such a humble beginning.
Matthew Robinson, Jackie's older brother, influenced him to pursue his love and talent in the athletic field. Matthew himself won a silver medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games in the 200-meter-dash. He was second to Jesse Owens.
When it came time for college, Jackie decided to attend UCLA, the University of California at Los Angeles. At this university, he became the first student-athlete able to win four varsity letters, or awards. These four sports were baseball (of course), basketball (point guard), football, and track (long jumper). Jackie was eventually named part of the All-American team at UCLA in 1941. However, Jackie was forced to leave UCLA just shy of graduation because of financial hardships.
Jackie then moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. There, he would play for the Honolulu Bears, a semi-professional football team. His season with the Bears, however, was cut short when World War II came around.
It is hard to believe that such a great baseball player like Jackie Robinson could have come from such a humble beginning.