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Jackie Robinson : An Star Athlete

Decent Essays

44- Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia and he passed away on October 24, 1972. He was the youngest of five children, and he was raised by his single mother. When he got older he attend Muir High School and Pasadena Junior College. While attending both schools he was an star athlete that played four sports. He played football, basketball, track, and baseball. In 1938 he would be named the regions Most Valuable Player in baseball.

He got his motivation to play from his older brother Matthew Robinson, who was also a renowned athlete that competed in the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin. He won a silver medal in the 200 meter dash.

After Jackie graduated he would continue his education at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was so talented that he was the first student to win varsity letters in four sports at his university. Jackie Robinson did not graduate due to him not having the funds to continue his education. He would soon move to Honolulu, Hawaii to play semi professional football for the Honolulu Bears. He had a short career as a football player due to the U.S. entering World War II. Robinson was a second lieutenant in the United States Army from 1942 to 1944. Since he did not want move to give up his seat and move to the back of the bus he was charged. Due to his excellent reputation the charges were dropped.

In 1944, Robinson was discharged from the army and he begin playing baseball professionally.

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