Theodore Roosevelt once said, “We can't have '50-50' loyalty in this country. Either a man is American and nothing else, or he is not American at all.” The question everyone is asking now: What is an American? An American is a man who has the dedication to achieve his dream, regardless of obstacles in his path. The ideal personification of being American is Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson's dream was to play professional baseball with white Americans. Although the numerous obstacles that stopped other talented African Americans or discouraged even trying to achieve this dream were ignored by Robinson and he continued to pursue his dream. The mere fact that Jackie Robinson was able to play Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1947, during a time when segregation was at its peak, was an astonishing achievement for African Americans everywhere. After Robinson was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers, the real challenge began. Jackie Robinson had to prove to everyone that he deserved to be part of the team. Not only has he proven himself worthy, but he has also earned the respect and friendship of his teammates throughout his career. All in all, Jackie Robinson's dedication, courage and personality made him the quintessential American. Jackie Robinson's dedication was a crucial tool in achieving his goals in life, not just getting into the MLB league. During World War II, Jackie Robinson was drafted into the US Army in 1942. Jackie Robinson and many other African-American soldiers applied to the Officers' Candidate School (OCS), but were all rejected (Jackie Robinson, Facing Racism in the Army). With the help of Joe Louis, famous heavyweight champion, and Jackie Rob... in the center of the card... managed by his courage were the first years he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. In the interview between Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey, the president of the Dodgers, said to Robinson: Jackie (Robinson), we don't have an army. There is practically no one on our side. No owners, no referees, very few journalists. And I fear that many fans will be hostile. We will find ourselves in a difficult position. We can only win if we can convince the world that I'm doing it because you're a great ballplayer, a fine gentleman. (Quoted in Giants of Baseball, Gutman, Rickey) In the quote above, Branch Rickey is attempting to explain the difficult journey that awaits not only Robinson, but Rickey as well. The courage it takes to attempt this during this time period is unimaginable. If it weren't for Robinson's courage, he would never have had the opportunity to play major league baseball.