I had practiced with the team
â
I had practiced with the team,
and the first scheduled game was with the University of Missouri.
They made it quite clear to the Army that
they would not play a team with a black player on it.
Instead of telling me the truth,
the Army gave me leave to go home.
â
Meaning
This quote exposes the cruelty of segregation by showing how institutions hid discrimination instead of confronting it honestly. Prejudice was enforced through cowardice.
About Author
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was an American baseball player and civil rights activist, famously breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. His quotes often reflect courage, determination, and equality. Robinson inspires athletes, activists, and leaders to challenge injustice, persevere against adversity, and make a lasting impact in sports and society.
Related Quotes
â Many people resented my impatience and honesty, but I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect. â
This quote means the speaker values respect more than popularity or comfort. Honesty may cost acceptance, but dignity matters more.
â It kills me to lose. If I'm a troublemaker, and I don't think that my temper makes me one, then it's because I can't stand losing. That's the way I am about winning, all I ever wanted to do was finish first. â
This quote means his fierce competitiveness, more than bad temper, explains the conflicts around him. The drive to win defined his character.
â When I am playing baseball, I give it all that I have on the ball field. When the ball game is over, I certainly don't take it home. My little girl who is sitting out there wouldn't know the difference between a third strike and a foul ball. We don't talk about baseball at home. â
This quote means Robinson gave everything to his profession but refused to let it consume his home life. Work stayed on the field, while family remained protected.