Following a preface in which he describes the opening game of the 1947 World Series as the culmination of the historical racial barrier that he had begun to shatter that April, Robinson discusses his early life, amateur athletic career, military service, and brief career in the Negro leagues in his opening chapter. Growing up in California, Robinson had a close relationship with his four older siblings, but he especially came to respect his hard-working mother Mallie, who had moved the family from Georgia when her husband left home. However, it was the guidance and influence of Reverend Karl Downs that Robinson credits with keeping him away from criminal behavior. Downs clearly served as a positive role model and trusted friend for Robinson in his early life.

Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Mack, who would go on to win a silver medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Robinson became a sports star at Pasadena Junior College and then accepted an athletic scholarship to UCLA in order to stay close to home. At UCLA, Robinson lettered in baseball, football, basketball, and track. More importantly, he met his future wife, Rachel Isum, whom Robinson refers to as “the most important person in [his] life” (10).