Jackie Robinson

The man who broke baseball's color line.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was an American professional baseball player who was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Robinson broke the color line when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. The Dodgers signing Robinson heralded the end of racial segregation in professional baseball, which had relegated black players to the Negro leagues since the 1880s.

Quick Facts

Hall of fame induction: 1962

Facts from the source article.

Background

Born in Cairo, Georgia, Robinson was raised in Pasadena, California. A four-sport student athlete at Pasadena Junior College and the University of California, Los Angeles, he was better known for football than he was for baseball, becoming a star with the UCLA Bruins football team. Following his college career, Robinson was drafted for service during World War II, but was court-martialed for refusing to sit at the back of a segregated Army bus, eventually being honorably discharged. Afterwards, he signed with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues, where he caught the eye of Branch Rickey, general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who thought he would be the perfect candidate for breaking the MLB color line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jackie Robinson?

He was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball during the modern era, breaking the color barrier for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His courage and talent paved the way for integration throughout professional sports and American society.

When did he join the Hall of Fame?

Jackie Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame just five years after his retirement in 1962. This recognition cemented his status as one of the greatest players and most influential figures in baseball history.