Jerry Robinson, the father of iconic baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson, played a complex role in his son's background, though details are limited and often overshadowed by Jackie's achievements. Key aspects stem from historical records and family accounts.
Origins and Personal Background
Born around 1889 in Cairo, Georgia, Jerry Robinson worked primarily as a sharecropper. This involved farming on leased land under challenging economic conditions. He was part of a post-slavery African American community facing systemic discrimination, which influenced his difficult life circumstances.
Family Life and Departure
Jerry married Mallie McGriff in 1909, and they had five children: Mack, Edgar, Frank, Jackie (born in 1919), and Willa Mae. Jerry abandoned the family around 1920, when Jackie was approximately one year old, leaving due to personal struggles and financial instability. Mallie Robinson raised the children single-handedly in Pasadena, California, after relocating for better opportunities.
- Impact on Jackie: Jerry's absence profoundly shaped Jackie's upbringing, with Jackie rarely discussing his father publicly. This void contributed to Jackie's resilience and determination.
- Post-Departure: Records indicate Jerry lived a nomadic life, likely in Florida or Georgia, with little contact. He died in obscurity, the exact date unknown but estimated in the mid-20th century.
Historical Significance
While Jerry Robinson's life remains under-documented, his actions highlight the adversities faced by African American families during the early 1900s, emphasizing Jackie Robinson's later achievements in breaking racial barriers.
