| Jackie Robinson was a baseball player and an American legend. |  | ||||
Like many others of his day, he played for Baseball’s Negro Leagues, specifically, for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945. What made Jackie special was that he got the call to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers at a time when a black player on an otherwise all-white team was unheard of. The Dodger’s General Manager wanted to integrate the team and select the best players regardless of color. He knew the move would face opposition. He selected Jackie as the first for his integrity, commitment to furthering race relations, and his family- focused lifestyle. He knew he had selected not only a strong ball player, but a man who would stand up to the inevitable insults and opposition with a calm demeanor. G.M. Branch Rickey was reported to have told Jackie that he was “looking for a ballplayer with guts enough not to fight back.” Fortunately, Jackie met baseball success, being named Rookie of the Year at the end of the 1947 season and MVP in 1949. But it was his way of handling a tough role peacefully that made him an important historical figure. Jackie Robinson was raised right here in Pasadena, CA, near La Pintoresca Park. He graduated from Pasadena City College (then Pasadena Junior College), and attended UCLA for a time, but needed to drop out for financial reasons. | |||||
Make this craft project with your children and tell them about Jackie Robinson as a way to inspire them. Anyone, even a poor, black child growing up in Pasadena in the 1920’s and 30’s can become an American hero if they bring the right attitude to their successes. | |||||
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