Baseball is a sport that I have played since I was a young boy. As a child, it had been the first sport that I participated in a league for. Jackie Robinson’s book, Stealing Home, was a book I had read when I was young that inspired me to aim higher and excel in everything I do. It was a short novel based on Jackie Robinson’s path to become the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. Jackie had a long path to complete with many obstacles along the way, but he managed to put everything aside and become both the best person and baseball player he could be.

Stealing Home gave me something to push toward as a child, whether it was in baseball or hockey, allowing me to try my hardest every single day. Doing so allowed me to feel like I accomplished something. Reading this book gave me the opportunity to have a real role model- Jackie Robinson. He did more than just baseball; he played four different sports in college and received letters for all of them. Robinson was one of the main reasons why I tried playing for almost every sport I could when I was younger. As time passed, I came to conclusion that I should only continue the two sports that I loved to play. While playing these sports, the thought of what struggles Jackie Robinson experienced always ran through my head. Knowing this enabled me to push myself when times got rough. By overcoming his conflicts, Robinson made me realize that no matter how hard someone thinks they might have it, the person next to them may have it even harder, therefore so everyone has to always try their hardest to be the best at everything they do. This thought has always stuck with me and continues to inspire how I play sports and live my life.

One thing I noticed while reading Stealing Home was that Jackie always put his family and school ahead of sports. While playing four different sports in college, he managed to excel in his academic career. His hard work eventually led to him receiving his diploma, and also became another inspiration of mine. Because of him I would always finish my homework before I was ever allowed to go out so I could spend more time having fun. Playing sports played a role in giving me something to look forward to, which also made homework easier for me to get through.

In conclusion, Jackie Robinson’s Stealing Home is a key inspiration toward my life. Both his struggles and his achievements played a role in every decision that I have made. Robinson contributed something to me that will stay in my heart forever.