Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 3 March 2005 — Page 25

The Muncie Times • March 3, 2005 • Page 25

Profiles of History Makers Who Made A Difference

Jackie Robinson (Portrayed By Dr. Charles Payne) (1919-1972)

Jackie Robinson became a civil rights icon when he broke the color barrier in major baseball in 1947. Fifty years later, in recognition of his great

impact on the sport and on the American society, baseball officially retired Robinson,s number, (42). Jackie (John Roosevelt) Robinson was born Jan. 31, 1919, in Cairo, Ga. He died Oct. 24, 1972, in Stamford, Conn. He accomplished a lot in his 53 years on earth. His father deserted the family 6 months after Jackie,s birth. His mother moved the family to Pasadena, Calif. After junior college, Robinson entered the University of California, Los Angeles, on an athletic scholarship. He was an exemplary athlete who excelled in baseball, basketball, football

and track and field. In 1941 ge became the first UCLA to letter in four sports in the same year. "A life is not important," he said, "except in the impact it has on other lives." His life impact many other lives. He did not run from problems. When Brooklyn Dodgers President Branch Rickey selected Robinson to become the first African American to play Major League Baseball, Robinson took on the challenge, even though he knew the racial climate was decidedly hostile. Some teams even threatened to boycott the Dodgers as long as

Robinson was on the team. But Rickey was determined to desegregate baseball. And he had the support of baseball,s commissioner. As Sports Illustrated's Bill Nack wrote: "Robinson was the target of racial epithets and flying cleats, of hate letters and death threats, of pitchers throwing at his head and legs, and catchers spitting on his shoes." The 6-foot Robinson was a model player who eventually won support from the fans, referees and other players. He was named Rookie of the Year. Two years later he was MVP. His

lifetime average was .311. During his first year of eligibility, Robinson was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Before making it to the major leagues, he had been drafted into the U.S. Army after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He became a second lieutenant. He was court-mar-tial for not moving to the back of the bus. The charges were dismissed, and several months later, Robinson received an honorable discharge from the Army. In 1945, he played shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League.

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