26 Inspirational Jackie Robinson Quotes

This collection of Jackie Robinson quotes shows his wisdom and courage. Jackie Robinson was the first African-American player in MLB history. Despite facing racism and death threats, he kept his demeanor positive and deflected much harassment with humor and grace.

His breaking of the color barrier in major league baseball has been one of the most significant events in modern sports history and is rightfully celebrated by sports fans.

How Did Jackie Robinson Impact the World?

Many people consider Jackie Robinson one of the most influential figures in US sports. He paved a path toward equality by abolishing segregation in Major League Baseball, establishing that any player had an equal chance at making it as a celebrity athlete.

Jackie Robinson Quotes About Life

“Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.”

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

“I do not believe that every person, in every walk of life, can succeed in spite of any handicap. That would be perfection. But I do believe that what I was able to attain came to be because we put behind us (no matter how slowly) the dogmas of the past: to discover the truth of today; and perhaps the greatness of tomorrow.”

“The many of us who attain what we may and forget those who help us along the line we’ve got to remember that there are so many others to pull along the way.”

“I don’t let my mouth say nothing my head can’t stand.”

“I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”

“Relationships may change throughout the gift of time, memories stay the same forever in my mind.”

“During my life, I have had a few nightmares which happened to me while I was wide awake.”

“I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect.”

“The most luxurious possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his personal dignity.”

“I don’t like needing anyone for anything.”

Jackie Robinson Quotes On Racism

“The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time.”

“There’s not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.”

“But as I write these words now I cannot stand and sing the National Anthem. I have learned that I remain a black in a white world.”

“I had to fight hard against loneliness, abuse, and the knowledge that any mistakes I made would be magnified because I was the only black man out there… I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect.”

“If I had to choose between baseball’s Hall of Fame and first-class citizenship for all of my people. I would say first-class citizenship.”

“I know that I am a black man in a white world… I know that I never had it made.”

“After two years at UCLA, I decided to leave. I was convinced that no amount of education would help a black man get a job.”

“Negroes aren’t seeking anything which is not good for the nation as well as ourselves. In order for America to be 100 percent strong — economically, defensively and morally — we cannot afford the waste of having second- and third-class citizens.”

“I think if we go back and check our record, the Negro has proven beyond a doubt that we have been more than patient in seeking our rights as American citizens.”

Jackie Robinson Quotes About baseball

“Above anything else, I hate to lose.”

“How you played in yesterday’s game is all that counts.”

“Baseball is like a poker game. Nobody wants to quit when he’s losing; nobody wants you to quit when you’re ahead.”

“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.”

“This ain’t fun. But you watch me, I’ll get it done.”

“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.”

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