Read the passage about the life of Jackie Robinson.
Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. Growing up, he was very much inspired by his older brother Matthew, who won a silver medal in the 200-meter dash at the 1936 Olympic Games, to pursue his talent and passion for athletics. He attended John Muir High School and then went on to Pasadena Community College, where he played football, basketball, track, and baseball. From there, Jackie went on to the University of California, Los Angeles, where his time was cut short due to financial hardship. After leaving the University of California, Jackie served in the United States Army. Fortunately, Jackie never saw combat; however, other circumstances ultimately led to Jackie’s honorable discharge from the military. It was shortly thereafter that Jackie began his career in Major League Baseball.
During this time, the leagues were still segregated. Jackie was drafted by Branch Rickey to change all of that and integrate baseball. On April 15, 1947, Jackie became the first African-American athlete to play in the major leagues. Despite the ongoing racism that Jackie faced from some teammates, crowds, and players from other teams, he earned the National League’s Most Valuable Player award in 1949. In his decade-long career with the Dodgers, Jackie helped his team win the National League pennant several times. In 1955, he helped them achieve the greatest victory of all: the World Series.
Including which fact would best help nominate Jackie Robinson for the “Most Talented” category in a yearbook?
Jackie earned the National League’s Most Valuable Player award in 1949.
Jackie’s older brother Matthew inspired him to pursue his athletic talents.
Jackie served in the United States Army but was never faced with combat.
Jackie pursued different sports while attending Pasadena Community College.