in the major leagues, many Americans were

shocked. The grandson of a slave, Jackie

was the first African American to play for a

major league baseball team in the Twentieth

Last year, Jackie Robinson again captured

the imagination and hearts of millions of Americans as the nation celebrated the 50th

anniversary of his historic first game in the majors. President Clinton honored Jackie

during a game in New York, and Major League Baseball retired his number, 42.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia., on January 31, 1919 to Jerry and

Mallie Robinson. He grew up in Pasadena, California. In high school and at Pasadena

Junior College he showed great athletic skill in track, basketball, football, and baseball.

He left school in 1941 and was drafted the following year for Army service during World

War II. After receiving a medical discharge in 1945, Jackie Robinson decided to tryout for

the Boston Red Sox, but ended up not making the team. He spent a year playing baseball

with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro National League. Later he played in the 1946

season with the Montreal Royals, a Dodgers farm club, and led the Internatio

arenas, it was simply not an option and even

Robinson not only had to have all the required

But Robinson's significance transcends even the sporting world. He

Robinson received letters from people who threatened to kill him if he

Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey are forever

World Series, win a Most Valuable Player award, and gain election to the

excluded some of the most talented players of the era.

flawlessly handled 11 chances at first base. In 1947, Jackie hit .297 and stole 29 bases

not have, as most had only lived and played in

winning baseball's first Rookie of the Year award. He went on to become

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jackie Robinson, Royals April, National League, African American, World Series, Robinson Robinson, Army Robinson, Enos Slaughter, Fame Black, African Americans', jackie robinson, major league, major league baseball, league baseball, world series, black player, national league, civil rights, all-star game, 20th century, stolen bases, civil rights movement, athlete 20th century, robinson black player, century jackie robinson,
Approximate Word count = 1642
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)