Massey 1

Will Massey

Mrs. Osgood and Mrs. Drugan

B Block

4/11/23

To What Extent Did Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan Reflect

The American Dream?

The American Dream has often been associated with being an athlete due to the efforts

needed in order to be successful. Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Michael Jordan all were

inspired by the American Dream, and worked hard to achieve their success. Unlike Jordan, Ruth

and Robinson both had rough upbringings; both grew up with limited money. These three

athletes put countless hours into practice, enabling them to become successful and the most

skillful players in the sport they played. Due to this, Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan followed and

achieved their American Dream. Achievement in sports has reflected the American Dream as

many athletes have represented it by achieving success through hard work and determination.

Many athletes who achieved success started at the bottom and had to work their way

up;Babe Ruth, JackieRobinson, and Michael Jordan did just that. These athletes proved that

achievement in sports can reflect the American Dream. Ruth, being born in 1895, had a rough

upbringing. The author of "Babe Ruth Hits His Record Sixtieth Home Run: September 30, 1927"

explains how Ruth, “the son of a Baltimore saloonkeeper and his wife,… spent much of his early

childhood…roaming the streets because his parents were often too busy tending their business to

watch over him and his younger sister” (“Babe Ruth”). He would often get into trouble due to the

independence he had. Ruth then moved to St. Mary’s school, where he learned how to play
 Massey 2

baseball. Although Ruth was good at mostly every position, he was known for being an excellent

hitter. Along with Ruth, Robinson also had a rough time as a kid, as his family had limited

money. The author of “Jackie Robinson '' explains Robinsons upbringing, stating Robinson’s

mother, “Mallie, a deeply religious woman…believed in the possibility of advancement for

herself and her children, set out by railroad to start a new life in Pasadena… [she]washed and

ironed clothes for well-to-do people and had to augment her meager earnings with welfare

relief.” (Jackie Robinson). Robinson’s family struggled financially but hoped moving to a new

place would be a new beginning. Later, Robinson went to UCLA, being a four sport athlete, but

found a love in baseball. Aside from Ruth and Robinson, Jordan had a stable upbringing. The

authors of “Michael Jordan Biography” discuss how Jordan “grew up with a stable family life.

Jordan's father, James, introduced him to baseball and built a basketball court in their backyard”

(Editors 4-5). Jordan developed a love for the sport quickly. Ruth and Robinson’s upbringing

differed from Jordan as Jordan grew up with enough money and attention, but for Ruth and

Robinson, money was limited showing that the American Dream is achievable by all. As Ruth,

Robinson, and Jordan began working harder and practicing, more people began to see their

progress.

Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan continued to increase their skills in their sports due to their

hard work ethic and motivation to achieve the American Dream. They began getting recognized

for their skills which broadened their opportunities for playing sports in the future. The author of

“Babe Ruth” explains how Ruth’s outstanding hitting and pitching skills attracted others as they

write, “Larger than most of his classmates, Ruth could play any position on the field, but it was

his outstanding pitching and hitting that attracted the attention of Jack Dunn (1872–1928), owner

of the Baltimore Orioles, a local minor league club. Ruth was only nineteen years old, and under
 Massey 3

the terms of his enrollment at St. Mary’s he was required to remain at the school until he was

twenty-one” (“Babe Ruth”). After being introduced to baseball at St. Mary’s, Ruth began to

excel, catching the attention of Jack Dunn, the owner of the Baltimore Orioles. Although Ruth

wanted to join, he couldn't as he had to finish out his years at St. Mary’s before he could join.

Similar to Ruth, Robinson was also recognized for his skills. In the article “Jackie Robinson” by

Damion Thomas, he explains that Robinson, “Originally a shortstop, played for the Kansas City

Monarchs of the Negro Leagues until Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey tabbed

him as the player who would integrate the white major leagues” (Thomas). Although it seemed

easy, Robinson received backlash and hate because of his skin color. Many of his teammates and

fans disrespected him. This hate didn't last long, as his fans started to recognize that he was a

very skillful player. Similar to Ruth and Robinson, Michael Jordan also began being recognized

for his unique skills. The author of “Legends Profile: Michael Jordan” shows how Jordan, “As a

sophomore, was named College Player of the Year by The Sporting News. As a junior, he

received that award again as well as the Naismith and Wooden Awards” (“Legends”). While

playing basketball in college, Jordan began to get a lot of recognition from his skills and hard

work. This motivated him to work harder so he could continue his basketball career. Ruth,

Robinson, and Jordan’s recognition were alike as people began to recognize their unique skills as

they began to play better and better. They prove that if you work hard enough on something that

you dream to do, you can succeed if you work hard enough. Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan all

dreamed to play in higher leagues, as they began working harder and hoped to achieve success

for it.

Through hard work and determination, Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan were able to become

skillful players and become successful in the sports they played. Ruth began playing for the Red
 Massey 4

Sox in 1914; he began progressing his skills more and more. The author of “Babe Ruth Hits His

Record Sixtieth Home Run: September 30, 1927” states, “During his five years in Boston, Ruth

became one of the brightest stars in baseball. As a pitcher with the Red Sox, he compiled a

sparkling 94–46 record. But Ruth was also a talented hitter. In 1919 he slugged twenty-nine

home runs, breaking a single season record that had stood for twenty years” (“Babe Ruth”).

While Ruth played for the Red Sox, he was known to be the best player of all time. Although

Ruth played mostly every position, he was recognized for his hitting skills. Similar to Ruth,

Robinson also achieved success with baseball. Thomas, the author of the article “Jackie

Robinson” remarks, “At the end of his first season, Robinson was named the winner of the

inaugural Baseball Writers' Association of America's Rookie of the Year Award. He was named

the NL MVP just two years later in 1949, when he led the league in hitting with a .342 average

and steals with 37, while also notching a career-high 124 RBI” (Thomas). At the end of

Robinson’s first season, he received the Rookie of the Year Award. Just two years later he was

named the MVP, as he was a very skillful hitter just like Ruth was. After people saw how skillful

he was, he got respect from many people. Like Ruth and Robinson, Michael Jordan’s skills were

further recognized as he joined the NBA. The author of “Michael Jordan Biography” explains

Jordan’s success as they write, “Jordan began his professional basketball career when he was

drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He was the third overall pick… Jordan soon proved

himself on the court. He helped the team make the playoffs and scored an average of 28.2 points

per game that season. For his efforts, Jordan received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and

was selected for the All-Star Game” (Editors). Not too long into Jordan’s first season, he proved

himself to be skillful on the court. He helped his team make the playoffs, and scored an average

of 28.2 points per game that season. Many people thought of Jordan to be the best basketball
 Massey 5

player of all time to this day. Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan’s practice and dedication paid off as

they began playing for major leagues. They began to be recognized as some of the best players in

their sports. Although they played for a good amount of time, they got to retire early and live a

comfortable life without having to worry about money.

Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan all lived comfortable lives after retirement without having to

worry about money. They were able to retire early because of their success, as shown with Babe

Ruth. Evan Britton, the author of “Babe Ruth Announces His Retiremirement at the Age of 40”

explains Ruth’s whereabouts after his retirement as he writes, “After retiring, Ruth would

become one of the first 5 players to ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame. And towards the end

of his life, he became involved with American Legion’s youth baseball program. There will truly

never be another Babe Ruth, he could do everything on the field and today, he is still considered

by most to be the greatest Baseball player ever” (Britton). After retiring, Ruth was known to be

the best baseball player ever, as he hit 714 home runs in his 22 year career. Ruth then became

involved with the American Legion’s youth baseball program, which taught the youth how to

better their skills. Similar to Ruth, Robinson had also had a comfortable life after retirement.

While explaining what Robinson did after his retirement from baseball, Sullivan states, “Even

before his career with the Dodgers finished, Robinson had many irons in the fire. By the early

1950s, he had begun engaging in business deals and using his fame and influence to advocate for

Black Americans politically, socially and economically” (Sullivan). After Robinson retired from

the Dodgers, he began influencing the black people in America that they too can achieve the

American Dream if they work hard enough like he did. Unlike Ruth and Robinson, Jordan had a

short career. Although his career was shorter, he continued his career in acting and signed deals

with Nike. The author of “Michael Jordan Biography” states, “Outside of his career in
 Massey 6

basketball, Jordan has been involved in a number of profitable business and commercial

ventures. Between his profitable Nike partnership and his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets,

Forbes estimated Jordan's net worth to be over $1 billion in 2018” (Editors). Although Ruth,

Robinson, and Jordan played in the major leagues for a while, they all retired around the same

ages. This highlights their success and achievements that they had early on in life. Their success

proves to other people that success can be achieved no matter where you are in life. Furthermore,

they demonstrated that the American Dream has been a prominent thing in their lives.

Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan all had the hopes of becoming professional athletes one day,

and achieved that through hard work. Although Ruth and Robinson had rough beginnings, they

still had hope that they would one day achieve success. In the writing “From Babe Ruth to

Michael Jordan: Affirming the American Dream via the Sports/Film Star”, the author states,

“Indeed, Ruth was himself fond of contributing to this legend, remarking in his ghost written

autobiography that ‘The greatest thing about this country is the wonderful fact that it doesn’t

matter which side of the tracks you were born on, or whether you’re homeless or homely or

friendless. The chance is still there. I know’ (quoted in Rader, 2008: 130)” (Crosson). Ruth gives

hope to other people as he had a rough start himself. Ruth is a great example of someone who

followed and achieved the American Dream, as he practiced, and worked hard to be able to play

in the major leagues. Similar to Ruth, Robinson also came back from having a rough start, and

became successful. The author of “Jackie Robinson” states that Robinson, “playing with the

Monarchs had the hardships of long, uncomfortable bus rides from town to town, uncertain

away-from-home accommodations, low pay, poor playing fields, and the humiliation of the

prevailing discrimination and segregation, this was the perfect springboard for Robinson's debut

into the major leagues of baseball” (Jackie Robinson). Even though Robinson received much
 Massey 7

hate, low pay, uncomfortable bus rides, he still kept going. To be a skillful player, Robinson had

to undergo much practice. Robinson is a good example of the American Dream as he started off

with much hate, but never gave up and stayed on the road for success. Like Ruth and Robinson,

Jordan put in countless hours of practice to get better. In the article “From Babe Ruth to Michael

Jordan: Affirming the American Dream via the Sports/Film Star”, the Author states that Jordan,

“As a player, was a figure around whom a myriad of meanings and resonance circulated, many

of which are central to the American Dream ideology. Individualism is a crucial aspect of this

ideology, exemplified in the independent self-made man who overcomes marginalisation or

various socio-economic challenges to achieve success” (Crosson 8). Jordan had to put a lot of

work in to build his own success, just like Ruth and Robinson did. He went from a high school

student that got cut from the varsity team, to one of the best basketball players of all time. Jordan

is a good example of someone that follows the American Dream to be a successful self made

man. Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan all followed the American Dream to achieve success. They

went from not being known, to being recognized fast because of their unique skills. They prove

that it doesn't matter where you come from, you can always have a chance at being successful.

Achievement in sports had reflected the American Dream as shown by Babe Ruth, Jackie

Robinson, and Michael Jordan. Ruth and Robinson had a rough beginning, as Ruth had limited

attention and money, and Robinson had limited money. They had to put in a lot of work to

achieve success. Because of their skill, the three of them were recognized early on, and it wasn't

long before they were all playing for pro teams. A lot of people see these three athletes as a big

inspiration, as they show people that it doesn't matter where you start and how much money you

have, you can still have an equal opportunity at achieving success one day. A lot of people in the

United States have benefited from the American Dream, and have proved that no matter where
 Massey 8

you are in life, you have an equal opportunity, as Ruth, Robinson, and Jordan proved.

Works Cited

"Babe Ruth Hits His Record Sixtieth Home Run: September 30, 1927." Global Events:

Milestone Events Throughout History, edited by Jennifer Stock, vol. 6: North America,

Gale, 2014. Gale In Context: World History,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/WMVXNP266009723/WHIC?

u=mlin_n_newhigh&sid=bookmark-WHIC&xid=e5737847. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

This is a secondary source which I found on the Gale Database. This particular source

provided me with information on Babe Ruth’s rise to fame, and how he represented the

American Dream. This source is reliable because I got it from the Gale Database, and it

provides good information.

Britton, Evan. Babe Ruth Announces His Retirement at the Age of 40,

http://www.famousdaily.com/history/babe-ruth-announces-retirement.html#:~:text=It

%20was%20on%20this%20day,a%20lifetime%20batting%20average%20of%20. This is

a secondary source which I found on google. This source briefly describes Babe Ruth’s

background. It is credible because it is a popular website that provides legitimate

information.

Brooks, Scott N., and Dexter Blackman. "Introduction: African Americans and the history of

sport-new perspectives." The Journal of African American History, vol. 96, no. 4, fall

2011, pp. 441+. Gale In Context: U.S. History,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/A281521639/UHIC?u=mlin_n_newhigh&sid=bookmark-
 Massey 9

UHIC&xid=efd7356c. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023. This is a secondary source which I found

on the Gale Database. This provided me with information about how African Americans

athletes were segregated from whites. This source is credible and trustworthy because it

is from the Gale Database.

Churchwell, Sarah. “A Brief History of the American Dream.” George W. Bush Presidential

Center, 21 Nov. 2022, https://www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/state-of-the-american-

dream/churchwell-history-of-the-american-dream#:~:text=No%20less%20an

%20authority%20than,%2C%20determination%2C%20and%20initiative.%E2%80%9D.

This is a source in which I found google. This source provided me with information about

the history of the American Dream, and gave me a brief summarization about what the

American Dream is about. It is credible because I found it on the official George W. Bush

Presidential Center website.

Crosson, Seán. (2014). From Babe Ruth to Michael Jordan: Affirming the American Dream via

the Sports/Film Star. kinema: A journal for film and audiovisual media. pp. 74-89. This is

a source which was provided to me by my history teacher. This source provided me with

information on how both Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth fulfilled the American Dream. It

is credible and trustworthy because my teacher looked at it with me, and because it is a

popular article.

Editors, Biography.com. “Michael Jordan Biography.” Biography.com, A&E Networks

Television, 2014, https://www.biography.com/athletes/michael-jordan. This is a

secondary source which I found on google. This source gave me a lot of information
 Massey 10

about Michael Jordan and his background. This source is credible because I found it on

Biography.com, which is a popular credible website.

"Jackie Robinson." Notable Black American Men, Book II, edited by Jessie Carney

Smith, Gale, 1998. Gale In Context: U.S. History,

link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1622000397/UHIC?u=mlin_n_newhigh&sid=bookmark-

UHIC&xid=1544b60b. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023. This is a secondary source which I found

in the Gale Database. This source is a credible source because it is from Gale Database,

and shows correct information about Jackie Robinson’s upbringing.

“Legends Profile: Michael Jordan.” NBA.com, 2021, https://www.nba.com/news/history-nba-

legend-michael-jordan. This is a secondary source which I found on NBA.com. This

particular source provided me with information about Michael Jordan’s success in the

NBA. This source is reliable because I found it on the official NBA website.

Sullivan, Missy. “Jackie Robinson: His Life and Career in Pictures - History.” Jackie Robinson:

His Life and Career in Pictures, 2022, https://www.history.com/news/jackie-robinson-

life-baseball-pictures. This is a secondary source which I found on google. This source

provided me with information about Jackie Robinson’s background. This source is

credible because I found it on the official History.com website.

Thomas, Damion. “Jackie Robinson.” Robinson, Jackie | Baseball Hall of Fame, 2022,

https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/robinson-jackie. This is a secondary source which I

found on google. This source is reliable because it is on the official baseball hall of fame

website. This particular source provided me with information about the success of Jackie

Robinson, and how to be pushed through hardships in order to be successful. It is credible

 Massey 11

and reliable because I found it on the official baseball hall of fame website.