Jackie Robinson, a trailblazing athlete and civil rights icon, left a legacy of courage and inspiration that transcends the world of sports. Throughout his historic career as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, Robinson faced relentless racism and discrimination with unwavering grace and dignity. His words carry the weight of wisdom and resilience, serving as a beacon of hope for those fighting against injustice. One of his most enduring quotes, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,” reflects his belief in the power of making a difference and standing up for what is right. Jackie Robinson’s quotes continue to resonate today, reminding us to challenge barriers, break down stereotypes, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable world.
Jackie Robinson Quotes
1. “This ain’t fun. But you watch me, I’ll get it done.”-Jackie Robinson
2. “I don’t like needing anyone for anything.”-Jackie Robinson
3. “I don’t think it matters what I believe, only what I do.”-Jackie Robinson
4. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”-Jackie Robinson
5. “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.” –Jackie Robinson
6. “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”-Jackie Robinson
7. “No matter how much or how little I knew technically, I was able to get the best out of people I worked with.”-Jackie Robinson
8. “Above anything else, I hate to lose.”-Jackie Robinson
9. “It isn’t a perfect America and it isn’t run right, but it still belongs to us.”-Jackie Robinson
10. “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.” –Jackie Robinson
11. “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.”-Jackie Robinson
12. “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. The farther they go, the further we all go.” –Jackie Robinson
13. “There’s not an American in this country free until every one of us is free.”-Jackie Robinson
14. “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.”-Jackie Robinson
15. “The most luxurious possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his personal dignity.”-Jackie Robinson
16. “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.” –Jackie Robinson
17. “I want everybody to understand that I am an American Negro first before I am a member of any political party.” –Jackie Robinson
18. “During my life, I have had a few nightmares which happened to me while I was wide awake.” –Jackie Robinson
19. “The way I figured it, I was even with baseball and baseball with me. The game had done much for me, and I had done much for it.” –Jackie Robinson
20. “In my opinion, baseball is as big a business as anything there is. It has to be a business, the way it is conducted.”-Jackie Robinson
21. “Plenty of times I wanted to haul off when somebody insulted me for the color of my skin, but I had to hold to myself. I knew I was kind of an experiment. The whole thing was bigger than me.” –Jackie Robinson
22. “My problem was my inability to spend much time at home. I thought my family was secure, so I went running around everyplace else. I guess I had more of an effect on other people’s kids than I did my own.” –Jackie Robinson
23. “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.” –Jackie Robinson
24. “I’m grateful for all the breaks and honors and opportunities I’ve had, but I always believe I won’t have it made until the humblest black kid in the most remote backwoods of America has it made.” –Jackie Robinson
25. “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.” –Jackie Robinson
26. “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.”-Jackie Robinson
27. “The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time.” –Jackie Robinson
28. “I speak to you only as an American who happens to be an American Negro and one who is proud of that heritage. We ask for nothing special. We ask only that we be permitted to compete on an even basis, and if we are not worthy, then the competition shall, per se, eliminate us.” –Jackie Robinson
29. “Many people resented my impatience and honesty, but I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect.” –Jackie Robinson
30. “Blacks have had to learn to protect themselves by being cynical but not cynical enough to slam the door on potential opportunities. We go through life walking a tightrope to prevent too much disillusionment.” –Jackie Robinson
31. “I know that I am a black man in a white world… I know that I never had it made.” –Jackie Robinson
32. “Relationships may change throughout the gift of time, memories stay the same forever in my mind.” –Jackie Robinson
33. “In all my years of baseball, I have always expected to be traded. I never liked the idea.” –Jackie Robinson
34. “Baseball is like a poker game. Nobody wants to quit when he’s losing; nobody wants you to quit when you’re ahead.”-Jackie Robinson
35. “At the beginning of the World Series of 1947, I experienced a completely new emotion when the National Anthem was played. This time, I thought, it is being played for me, as much as for anyone else.” –Jackie Robinson
36. “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.”-Jackie Robinson
37. “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.” –Jackie Robinson
38. “How you played in yesterday’s game is all that counts.”-Jackie Robinson
39. “It would make everything I worked for meaningless if baseball is integrated but political parties were segregated.” –Jackie Robinson
40. “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
