I Never Had It Made

By: Jackie Robinson

Narrated by: Ossie Davis

Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

A straightforward yet inspiring story of what it took to be the first man of color to break into the white world of professional sports. Jackie Robinson's story is more than a telling of his tremendous talent; it is also a recollection that showcases his tenacious spirit, bravery, and the courage of his ideals.

From the early influences of family and friends, to his time at UCLA, to the Army, where he challenged racism and Jim Crow laws, Jackie Robinson traces his life to playing in the black leagues, frustrated by the abuses and restrictions of second-class status in professional baseball.

As Branch Rickey, president of the Brooklyn Dodgers, began to look around for a player to break the color barrier in 1946, he knew he needed a man of character who could withstand the pressures of his "Noble Experiment". Choosing Robinson gave both of them the chance to prove what they believed in.

Struggles that continued in his personal life and in response to the turbulent sixties are interpreted with insight by Robinson and will give listeners an added appreciation for the amazing strength of his character.

Public Domain (P)2008 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"A disturbing and enlightening self-portrait by one of America's genuine heroes." ( Publishers Weekly)

Understanding Jackie Robinson's Best Performance

If you could sum up I Never Had It Made in three words, what would they be?

Honesty; Strength; Faitful to change!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mr. Rickey is true to his belief in -- "that all men are endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that "among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".

What does Ossie Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ossie David's rich vocal expressions bring the reading to life.

Some parts are missing

As I was reading along i noticed that there are a few chapters and paragraphs missing. The basic story is still intact and the key point have been hit although it isnt complete.

Jackie Robinson’s Story is interesting and inspiring!

It is so interesting to gain an understanding of how a famous individual saw themselves and why they did what they did. His life after baseball offers insights into the politics of America in the late 1950’s going forward. Read/listen to this book; it’s worth the time!

A Story For the Ages

I read this book every so often to bring a voice to the story behind the man. To have the pleasure of an audio presentation gives the words an impassioned layer that resonates with me deeply. It is a short listen, but one that you'll definitely want to replay.

Nice story but bad narration.

This is very short book but what there was of the book was very good. Provides view of JR sa a real person. But narator Had a very gruff voice. If it had been the real JR then I get it but since he died before the book was published, it seems they could have done better

Good book

Loved Ossie Davis narration and learning more about Jackie Robinson’s life, struggles and how he overcame adversities.

Short and interesting autobio

This autobiography is fairly short and so does not go deeply into detail but what what lacks in missing out where you'd like to know a bit more, it's balanced in a quick pace. The narrator was perfectly paired with the work so it was believable and emotional where fitting. This is a great Primer for people like myself who aren't particularly huge sports fans who are attracted to Robinson's story as a barrier breaker and subsequent activist.

Great read, missing some parts.

This story was a great one and easy to listen to, yet there were many missing paragraphs. It skips around quite a bit and I had to pause it a lot to read the missing parts.

What helped me get through my life

This book helped me get further in my life Jackie Robinson is an inspiration on me. This book shows me that we think we have it hard when really think about how it was back then think about the pain that the people of color went through I myself am Latina. this book also showed me that you ignore the hate ignore the haters because if you let them get to you they win and I don't like to lose so I changed perspective thanks to this book.

passionate and informative

what a thrilling Journey thru Jacquees life on and off the baseball field! such descriptive language and use of imagery transform the reader 2 front row seat viewing the Brooklyn Dodgers as they navigated this first time Journey through desegregation.