Strength for the Fight: The Life and Faith of Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson’s “faith empowered him to cope with frustration and failure and resolutely pursue... social justice and economic advancement for African Americans,” contends Smith (Mark Twain), an emeritus professor of history at Grove City College, in this rousing biography of the baseball great. Smith draws on archival records; news coverage; interviews; accounts from teammates, friends, and family; and Robinson’s own words to illustrate the large role religion played in Robinson’s life. The athlete’s “Christian faith, consistent church attendance, and biblical morality” in part motivated the manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, himself a pious Christian, to sign Robinson. Smith details how Jesus’s example of turning the other cheek helped Robinson deal with the racism he encountered in the major leagues, and describes how Robinson’s social justice reading of the Bible inspired his involvement in the civil rights movement. This biography remains narrowly focused on Robinson’s faith, making it not comprehensive by design. However, Smith demonstrates an impressive command over the secondary literature on Robinson, and overcomes the athlete’s reticence to discuss his faith to deliver a meticulous appraisal of Robinson’s understudied religious beliefs. This offers valuable insight into a baseball legend. (Sept.)