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SHAPING AMERICAN BASEBALL
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Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers and Shaping History in American Baseball
Armonte Layfield Walden University: Master’s in Psychology DPSY 6215 – Week 10 Final Project
Professor Natalie M. Costa November 6, 2023
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Abstract
Jackie Robinson, a name etched into history, stands as a symbol of courage, resilience, and transformation. Born in a racially segregated America in 1919, Robinson's life journey would become a powerful narrative of breaking barriers and reshaping societal norms. From humble beginnings in Cairo, Georgia, to a trailblazing career in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson's impact transcends the boundaries of sports and extends to the broader context of civil
rights and social change. This paper delves into the life and legacy of this remarkable individual, exploring the challenges he faced, the impact of his groundbreaking achievements, and his enduring influence on the fight for racial equality in the United States.
Keywords: Jackie Robinson, Psychology, Mental Health and Social Justice
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Birthing a Legend
Jackie Robinson, born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, was the child of Jerry and Mallie Robinson. They lived on a plantation owned by James Madison Sasser, a white farmer, while Jackie's grandparents, Washington McGriff and Edna Sims McGriff, had a nearby twelve-
acre farm. Jackie's birth coincided with the "Spanish flu" epidemic of 1918-1919, which claimed the lives of millions of Americans. The Robinson family was fortunate to secure a doctor's assistance during this epidemic; the delivering doctor was an eight-year veteran from the University of Georgia medical school.
Jackie's middle name, Roosevelt, was in honor of President Teddy Roosevelt, who was known for his vocal stance against racism. Teddy Roosevelt supported African Americans in their pursuit of dreams and condemned unfair treatment, including lynching and support for systems that perpetuated slavery. He collaborated closely with black leaders such as Booker T. Washington and appointed African Americans to prominent positions during his presidency, using his platform to promote equality.
Civil War Life
Following the Civil War, Jackie's parents, Edna and Washington, hoped for a post-war era free from racism and segregation, envisioning a better future for their son. Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed as strict laws and regulations prevented black Americans from voting, and Jim Crow laws barred them from job opportunities. Georgia, their home state, was notorious for its over two hundred lynching, earning it a reputation as one of the worst states for African Americans to live and raise families. This period was marked by frequent violence, mob activity,
arson, and killings in the streets, leading to dire living conditions, disease, poverty, and widespread fear of crime, even within the sanctuary of churches.
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Mallie and Jerry Robinson faced a challenging marriage on the Sasser farm. Their living conditions were dire, with Mr. Sasser providing meager food portions and leftovers. Jerry wanted
to move to the city, but Mallie refused, leading to multiple conflicts. They separated and reconciled three times, but the final separation revealed Jerry's romantic involvement with another woman, deeply hurting Mallie. Amid this turmoil, Mallie turned to God for strength. On July 28, 1919, Jerry left his family but soon returned empty-handed. Mr. Sasser evicted them, and Mallie found work with a kind white family. She became a single mother raising five children in Georgia.
Family Stimulus Mallie Robinson's family suffered further when a violent incident at a nearby church resulted in the deaths of two white police officers and the revenge killings of five black individuals. This tragic event marked the beginning of the "Red Summer," characterized by the burning of seven black churches and lodge halls, both in their area and a nearby town in South Carolina. Racially motivated riots erupted across the country, numbering around twenty to thirty.
In May 1920, Mallie loaded her five children and possessions into a buggy and headed out west for a new start. On a warm night in June, they arrived in Los Angeles, California, eager to experience a new state with warm weather, sunshine, and palm trees. The very next day, Mallie began searching for a new job. Though Jackie Robinson was a baby when his father's infidelity began, he later spoke about the absence of a father figure during his childhood and adolescence. Mallie worked diligently to shield her children from the hardships she had endured. She instilled in them values she learned while growing up in Georgia, including the importance of family, education, optimism, self-discipline, and, above all, faith in God. Following the passing of Mallie's father, Washington, she welcomed her mother, Edna, into her home. Jackie reminisced
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about moments spent with his grandmother by a flickering fire, where she shared insights such as
"when the slaves were freed, they wanted no part of freedom. They were afraid of it."
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Jackie's childhood experiences, marked by diversity and adversity, had a profound impact
on his social and emotional development. These challenges stemmed from various sources, including his father leaving his mother, relocating to a new state, and growing up in a one-parent household with four other siblings. As supported by Bowlby’s attachment theory, children often struggle to understand why their parents separate, and this can lead to feelings of abandonment, confusion, and even guilt. These emotions may hinder a child's ability to express their feelings effectively. Jackie may have internalized these emotions, making it difficult for him to open up about his experiences and needs. Moving to a new state can be a challenging experience for anyone, especially for a child. It can disrupt familiar routines and social connections, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. For Jackie, this transition might have made it harder to form positive relationships with others, as he had to adapt to a new environment and establish new connections.
Family Dynamics
Growing up in a one-parent home with four siblings places additional stress both cognitively and developmentally, on the family dynamics. Jackie's mother likely had her hands full trying to provide for and care for all her children. This situation can affect a child's sense of security, as they may feel their needs aren't always met due to limited resources and time. Consequently, Jackie may have struggled to build confidence and self-esteem. Jackie's reluctance
to leave his mother's bed and the offer of money to sleep in his own bed are indicative of attachment and abandonment issues. Children who experience abandonment, either through a
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parental separation or other circumstances, can become overly attached to their caregivers out of fear of losing them. Jackie's experience reflects a common response in children who fear being left alone or abandoned. Jackie's older sister, Willa Mae, playing the role of the "little mother" in the family is a testament to the way children in diverse family environments often take on adult responsibilities at an early age. While it speaks to the resilience and adaptability of children, it can also place undue pressure on them to mature too quickly, potentially affecting their own emotional development.
Psychodynamic Theory
In accordance with psychodynamic theory, Jackie's early life was deeply shaped by a variety of challenges and diversity, significantly influencing his social and emotional development. The intricate dynamics of his family situation hindered his ability to express emotions effectively. Frequent relocations disrupted his capacity to form stable and positive relationships, and growing up in a one-parent household gave rise to self-esteem issues. Furthermore, his attachment and abandonment issues, as well as the caregiving role played by his
older sister, exemplify the intricate emotional terrain that can emerge from a complex and challenging upbringing. Recognizing and addressing these psychological challenges is paramount for facilitating successful emotional and social development in children like Jackie, as
proposed by the psychodynamic theory of psychology.
Following high school, Jackie Robinson attended Pasadena Junior College from 1937 to 1939 and then transferred to UCLA from 1939 to 1941, where he excelled both academically and
athletically. He aimed to pursue sports and a quality education, earning recognition as the state's "outstanding all-around athlete" during his collegiate career. While in college, Jackie experienced a deep connection with Rachel Isum. Their bond was unbreakable, and they enjoyed
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many years together in a state of blissful love. Jackie, a collegiate athlete with a stunning girlfriend, excelled academically, and he felt like he was on cloud nine. However, tragedy struck the Robinson family when, on July 10th at 6:25 PM, Jackie's brother Frank was involved in a motorcycle accident on Orange Grove Avenue in Pasadena. The collision resulted in a fractured skull, broken ribs, and ruptured internal organs, and despite being rushed to the hospital, Frank succumbed to his injuries. Jackie expressed the profound impact of his brother's loss, stating, "I was very shaken up by his death. It was hard to believe he was gone, harder to believe I would no longer have his support."
Cognitive Development Resilience
The death of a family member, like Jackie Robinson's brother Frank, can profoundly impact an individual's cognitive development, especially during formative years and young adulthood. Such a loss triggers intense grief and emotional turmoil, influencing cognitive processing as one grapples with the reality of the situation. The cognitive struggle to make sense of the loss and its implications is a crucial part of emotional processing. Significant losses can prompt a reevaluation of one's life and priorities, potentially influencing future decisions and outlook. Coping with such a loss can foster resilience and adaptation, leading to the development
of coping strategies. These cognitive and emotional effects can have lasting impacts on an individual's outlook, decision-making, and ability to support others facing similar experiences. In
Jackie Robinson's case, his brother's death likely influenced his determination, resilience, and perspective on family support, guiding his future actions and decisions.
Post College Experience
After his college career (1944-1946), Jackie Robinson joined the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro National Baseball League. Initially offered $300 per month, he negotiated it to
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$400. Robinson's outstanding talent drew attention from scouts, journalists, and the Brooklyn Dodgers, who invited him to join their minor league team, the Montreal Royals, with a monthly salary of $600. Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers' manager, offered Robinson a trial with the
Montréal’s, and if successful, a transfer to the Dodgers. Excited and in disbelief, Jackie proposed
to his girlfriend, Rachel, and informed her of the news. On March 4th, Robinson donned the Montreal Royals uniform, and Rachel, while excited, worried about his experience in a predominantly white league. Contrary to expectations, the Montreal manager, Clay Hopper, extended a welcoming hand. Robinson noted that in those times, many southerners refused to shake hands with a Black person. Everything proceeded smoothly until one evening when a hostile white crowd forced Robinson out of a restaurant, demanding the removal of a Black player, even involving the mayor. He returned home and stayed low for a week. Later, during a trip to Daytona Beach for spring training, Robinson and Rachel were disheartened to be assigned a small, dirty hotel room apart from the rest of the team.
Branch Rickey emphasized that Robinson needed to bear the "cross of martyrdom" and be a player with the courage not to retaliate.
Months after joining the Montreal Royals, Rachel and Jackie received the joyful news of expecting a child, filling Jackie with delight and anticipation. In a heartfelt letter to Rachel, he expressed, "The love I feel for you and our child will make us the envy of every married couple."
On March 17, in a groundbreaking moment noted by reporters, Jackie Robinson made history in organized baseball by becoming the first Black man in the 20th century to play alongside white players in a scheduled exhibition game, held at City Island Park in Daytona Beach between the Royals and the Dodgers. His success with the Montreal Royals earned him a starting position with the Brooklyn Dodgers, marking him as the first African American in Major League
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Baseball. On April 18, 1947, Jackie made his debut at Roosevelt Stadium in front of 25,000 spectators. He described the experience as a "marvelous beauty of this 'day of destiny' for me," with overwhelming emotions. His remarkable performance led the Dodgers to victory, and just two days later, articles in the New York Times and Montreal Gazette likened him to Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey, recognizing his prowess. The New York Amsterdam News summarized his achievement as "the most significant sports story of the century."
Robinson Aftermath
Jackie Robinson enjoyed an illustrious baseball career, boasting a lifetime batting average
of .311. He led the Dodgers to six league championships and secured one World Series victory. Following his retirement from baseball in 1957, he dedicated himself to civil rights activism. Serving as a spokesperson for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), he appeared alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1962, Jackie Robinson achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first Black individual to be inducted into the Baseball
Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. His autobiography, "I Never Had It Made," was published in 1972. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Robinson was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984, the highest civilian distinction in the United States.
Jackie Robinson's illustrious baseball career was marked by both remarkable talent and unwavering perseverance in the face of diversity and adversity. In 1947, he made history as the first African American to break Major League Baseball's color barrier, joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. Despite facing racial discrimination and hostility from both fans and fellow players, Robinson remained resolute and proved his undeniable talent on the field. His exceptional skills as a second baseman, base-runner, and hitter made him a force to be reckoned with in the league.
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Jackie Robinson's ability to transcend the adversity of racial prejudice and make a lasting impact on the sport, paved the way for future generations of African American players and stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of baseball and civil rights.
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