How Jackie Robinson Changed Baseball: Answer Key

This answer key goes with our “How Jackie Robinson Changed Baseball” lesson plan. It includes a list of key vocabulary words, discussion questions, and possible answers.

Introduction

How Jackie Robinson Changed Baseball: Answer Key is a non-fiction book that explores how Jackie Robinson’s signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 changed the landscape of baseball. The book includes contributions from noted baseball experts and historians, and offers an in-depth look at how Robinson not only changed the game of baseball, but also helped to break down the color barrier in America.

Thesis statement

Jackie Robinson is best known for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, but his legacy extends far beyond the baseball diamond. Jackie Robinson used his platform as an MLB player to fight for social justice, paving the way for future athletes to use their voices and influence to bring about change. In doing so, Robinson changed not only baseball, but also America itself.

Background information on Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, was born in Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919. His family moved to Pasadena, California, when he was a young boy. Jackie struggled in school and was often in trouble with the law as a teenager. He dropped out of high school and joined the Army in 1942.

Robinson was drafted into the Army during World War II and served from 1942-1944. He was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas and played for the base baseball team. In 1944, he was court martialed for refusing to move to the back of a military bus. The charges were later dropped, but Robinson was honorably discharged from the Army in 1944.

After his discharge from the Army, Robinson attended Pasadena City College before transferring to UCLA, where he became the school’s first athlete to win varsity letters in four different sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. He graduated from UCLA in 1949 with a degree in sociology.

The impact Jackie Robinson had on baseball

In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American player in Major League Baseball, breaking the so-called color barrier in the sport. Robinson’s successful career with the Brooklyn Dodgers helped pave the way for other African American players to enter the league, and his example of dignity and courage in the face of racism continues to inspire people today.

Robinson’s signing with the Dodgers was more than just a victory for African Americans; it was also a victory for baseball as a whole. The game had been struggling since World War II, and many people thought that adding more African American players would increase interest and bring in new fans. This turned out to be true; by 1949, attendance at games had increased by 20 percent.

African American players were not the only ones Jackie Robinson inspired; he also motivated other minority groups to pursue their dreams. After seeing what Robinson accomplished, Latinos and Asian Americans began seeking their own opportunities in baseball. In addition, women’s professional baseball leagues popped up around the country, inspired by Robinson’s example that anyone could succeed in America if they were given a fair chance.

Jackie Robinson’s legacy extends far beyond baseball; he is now considered one of the most important figures in civil rights history. His story continues to inspire people of all ages to stand up for what they believe in and fight for an equal chance at success.

The legacy Jackie Robinson left behind

Robinson’s impact went far beyond the baseball diamond. He was an outspoken advocate for civil rights, and his advice was sought by both Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. In his later years, he devoted himself to campaigning for the employment of minorities in high-level corporate positions. He also served as a vice president of Chock full o’Nuts coffee company and helped establish the Freedom National Bank, an institution created to serve the African American community in New York City.

Jackie Robinson’s impact on baseball is incalculable. He changed the game forever, and his legacy continues to inspire young athletes today.