Historical Figure by Erin

Historical Figure by Erin - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

If I could have dinner with any historical figure I would choose Jackie Robinson. I chose him for two reasons, one of his character and two because he believed in himself enough to persevere. On April 15, 1947 when Jackie Robinson stepped out onto the field as the first African American major league baseball player with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He changed the sport of baseball, and the world, in many ways. Seeing that in those days African Americans were seen as lesser people, Jackie Robinson knew he would face hecklers, but decided within himself to not fight back. I would like to ask him how he handled those who didn’t believe in him and made it obvious they did not want him playing major league baseball. He continued his passion with hard work which helped him earn rookie of the year in 1947. As his career continued his achievements did as well. He was a six-time all-star, the first African American to earn the national league MVP and played in six world series championships. Robinson was inducted in the baseball’s hall of fame in 1962. He is the only major league baseball player whose number is retired throughout all of baseball. Every year since 2004, on April 15 every player on every team wears number 42 to honor and remember Jackie Robinson.
Remember Jackie Robinson’s perseverance is important for me because as a college student who will also be working full time as a teacher starting in April, I need to keep my dream in mind. By doing so, I will have the encouragement I need to keep going and to do my best. I would like to ask Mr. Robinson is if someone told him back in 1947 what an inspiration and monumental person he would become (even for many years after his death) what would he say and why? Lastly, I would like to ask him what it was that kept him going?