Reflecting on Jackie Robinson Day

Often times in life, we face moments in which our character is tested. There are times when we must think beyond ourselves and immediate desires, to consider the ripple effect of our actions. It is a rough journey, where obstacles of fear and self-doubt must be overcome. These are the moments that separate the hero from the commoner. Reflecting on examples of these moments is important, as it inspires us to act courageously when our own character is tested. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson faced such a test when he took the field in his Major League Baseball debut. Coming out of the Brooklyn Dodgers locker room, Robinson was making perhaps the most monumental entrance into a sports contest. This would be the game where he broke the racial barrier that existed in baseball during the time. We can only imagine the type of thoughts that raced through Robinson's mind at this moment. He was facing the expectations to represent his community, to withstand physical and verbal abuse, in addition to the pressure of performing well in his first MLB game. It takes a person of tremendous character to respond to such a task. This day transcends sports, as an honor to all of those who have worked to break barriers. When I think of Jackie Robinson, I am reminded of the composure that it takes to make a difference despite adversity. Had he not maintained composure throughout the many slurs and pitches aimed at his head, he would not only have held himself back, but also the great multitude of black players and people that stood on his shoulders. Each time he made a hit or stole a base, the impact was much greater than a simple boost to his stats. He showed that when provided the opportunity, people can excel in anything, regardless of the labels placed on them by society. Jackie Robinson's legacy stands as a testament to the power of character and how individual actions can affect the circumstances of others. When he took the field in 1947, Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate and swung to break a glass ceiling for baseball and humanity.