75 Years On, Jackie Robinson Continues to Inspire, Make an Impact
Jason Mollica
Award-winning strategic PR and marketing pro, social communications builder, educator, speaker, personal brand advocate
It has been 75 years since the great Jackie Robinson?broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, making his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. I never saw Jackie play a single game with my own eyes, but he still made an impact on me from the time I was very young. My parents bought me the children’s book titled, “The Value of Courage: The Story of Jackie Robinson.” I read it so many times, the words were ingrained into my head. A poster of Robinson adorned my room as a teen, as a reminder of this courage. The 42 he wore is more than a number; it stands for integrity.
I never experienced an ounce of what Jackie went through, yet I have always been drawn to the way he carried himself during those turbulent times. On April 8, 2022, Branch Rickey III, the grandson of Branch Rickey, who famously signed Jackie to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, spoke at the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media at Temple University’s inaugural Jackie Robinson Symposium. Rickey III recalled that his grandfather had a great respect for Jackie. However, he wanted to be certain Robinson could handle what would be incredible criticism. Branch put Jackie through some scenarios with very rough language. At one point, Jackie responded, "Mr. Rickey, do you want an athlete who wants to fight back?" Rickey replied, "I'm after an athlete with the guts to NOT fight back."
Jackie never did fight back with his fists. He let his actions at the plat and on the bases and field, as well as how he spoke off of it, do the talking. Rickey III added that Jackie didn’t just win over baseball fans and black people in 1947. “(Jackie) won over the people of the United States,” he stressed.
Here are a few ways Jackie Robinson continues to inspire:
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Tenacity- Despite great odds and constant scrutiny, Jackie never backed down. This is a great lesson, regardless of race, how we can stand up for what we believe. If you believe in your heart of hearts that you can do something, go with confidence and do it!
Work Ethic- Jackie never settled. He continued to improve his game and push himself to be the best he could be.
Pride- Jackie knew he couldn’t necessarily fight back against those who hurled racial slurs or threw an intentional fast ball at his head. He pressed forward and got stronger. The lesson here: No matter what the odds, YOU have the power to be in control.
Courage- Jackie could have given up at any time. He didn’t, despite what seemed like insurmountable odds. Think about your toughest time. How did you handle it? While starting your own business or changing careers may not be at the level of what Jackie did, it still takes courage to step out of your comfort zone.
Jackie Robinson was a symbol of hope, dedication, pride, and strength. He said, “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” These are values we should embrace and learn from today.