Jackie Robinson’s Family, Relationships, and Closest Friends: Full Life Story
Jackie Robinson was born in 1919 in Cairo, Georgia. He grew up in a household shaped by strong family ties and close relationships. Friendship also played a pivotal role in his life as he formed bonds that supported him through both challenges and success, shaping his journey on and off the baseball field.
Family Members
| Name | Relation | Birth Year |
|---|---|---|
| Mallie Robinson | Mother | 1892 |
| Jerry Robinson | Father | 1880 |
| Edgar Robinson | Brother | 1900 |
| Frank Robinson | Brother | 1906 |
| Matthew Robinson | Brother | 1914 |
| Willa Mae Walker | Sister | 1912 |
| Rachel Robinson | Wife | 1922 |
| Jackie Robinson Jr. | Son | 1946 |
| Sharon Robinson | Daughter | 1950 |
| David Robinson | Son | 1952 |
Jackie Robinson was raised by his mother, Mallie, after his father left the family. Mallie worked several jobs to support Jackie and his siblings in Pasadena, California. Family struggles bonded them and taught Jackie the value of loyalty and support.
He met Rachel Isum while both were students at UCLA. Their relationship grew from friendship to romance, and they married in 1946. Their wedding took place in Los Angeles shortly before Jackie began his professional baseball career.
Jackie and Rachel raised three children: Jackie Jr., Sharon, and David. All were their biological offspring. Sharon became a nurse and author, while David pursued organic coffee farming in Tanzania. The Robinson family remained close throughout Jackie’s baseball career and beyond.
Relationships
| Name | Relationship Type | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| None | None | None |
Friends of Jackie Robinson
| Name | Known Since | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Anderson | 1930s | Friend (Childhood) |
| Pee Wee Reese | 1947 | Baseball Player |
| Roy Campanella | 1948 | Baseball Player |
| Ralph Branca | 1947 | Baseball Player |
| Joe Black | 1952 | Baseball Player |
Carl Anderson was Jackie’s childhood friend, helping steer him away from gangs. Their friendship set a foundation for support Jackie relied on during adversity. In baseball, Pee Wee Reese became a staunch ally, publicly showing support for Jackie during tough times with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Roy Campanella and Ralph Branca were also teammates who forged close friendships with Jackie. These bonds were tested on and off the field, as all three faced the pressures of segregation and high-stakes games in Major League Baseball.
Joe Black became a friend during the latter part of Jackie’s career. They connected over their mutual experiences as African American athletes. Many of Jackie’s friendships grew stronger as they worked together, fought prejudice, and carved their places in baseball history.
