Jackie Robinson was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when the Brooklyn Dodgers started him at first base on April 15, 1947.
As the first black man to play in the major leagues since the 1880s, he was instrumental in bringing racial integration to professional baseball. He also had an outstanding 19-year baseball career, winning the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 1949, being selected for six All-Star teams, and leading the Dodgers to six World Series titles.
Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, into a family of sharecroppers in Cairo, Georgia. He was the youngest of five children, and his parents divorced when he was an infant. His mother, Mallie, moved the family to Pasadena, California, in 1920 to escape the Jim Crow segregation laws of the South. As a young man, Robinson excelled in track and field, setting school records in the javelin throw and long jump. He also played football, basketball, and baseball, and was captain of all three teams at John Muir High School.
Robinson’s talents caught the attention of UCLA track and field coach Karl Schlademan, who persuaded him to enroll at the university on an athletic scholarship. At UCLA, Robinson became the first student to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. He left UCLA after one year to play professional baseball, Robinson was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1945 and assigned to their minor league team, the Montreal Royals.
In 1946, Robinson led the Royals to the International League championship, and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. The following year, he made his major league debut with the Dodgers, and was named Rookie of the Year. Robinson played ten seasons with the Dodgers, and was selected for the All-Star team six times. He was the NL MVP in 1949, and helped the Dodgers win the World Series that year. He also played a key role in leading the team to victory in the 1955 World Series.
I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.
– Jackie Robinson
After his playing career, Robinson became active in the civil rights movement. He also worked as a business executive and television commentator. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, and his number, 42, was retired by the Dodgers in 1972. Robinson died of a heart attack on October 24, 1972.
Frequently asked questions about Jackie Robinson
In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. He was an outstanding player, and a fierce competitor. After he retired from baseball, he became a public speaker and an advocate for civil rights. Here are some frequently asked questions about Jackie Robinson.
How Did Jackie Robinson Die?
Jackie Robinson died of a heart attack on October 24, 1972. He was 53 years old.
When Did Jackie Robinson Retire?
Jackie Robinson retired from baseball in 1957, after 10 seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers. In his final season, Robinson hit .275 with 12 home runs and was named an All-Star for the sixth time.
When Is Jackie Robinson Day?
Jackie Robinson Day is a day that is celebrated on April 15th. It is a day to remember and honor Jackie Robinson, who was the first African American to play baseball in the Major Leagues.
Did Jackie Robinson Have Kids?
Jackie Robinson did have kids. He had three daughters with his wife Rachel: Sharon, Pam, and David.
Where Did Jackie Robinson Die?
Jackie Robinson died of a heart attack on October 24, 1972, at his home in Stamford, Connecticut.
How Many Kids Did Jackie Robinson Have?
Jackie Robinson had three children, Jackie Jr., Sharon, and David. He and his wife, Rachel, adopted their daughter, Sharon, in 1963. Sharon was born in South Korea and was just three years old when she came to live with the Robinsons. David, their son, was born in 1972.
Is Jackie Robinson’s Wife Still Alive?
Yes, Jackie Robinson’s wife, Rachel Robinson, is still alive. She is now 91 years old and lives in Stamford, Connecticut. She is the founder and president of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which provides support to minority youth.
How Many Children Did Jackie Robinson Have?
Jackie Robinson had three children: Jackie Jr., Sharon, and David. Jackie Jr. was born in 1946 and died tragically young in 1971. Sharon was born in 1950 and David in 1952. Sharon and David both followed in their father’s footsteps and became athletes. Sharon is a former professional tennis player and David is a retired professional baseball player.
How Much Is A Jackie Robinson Baseball Card Worth?
Jackie Robinson baseball cards are worth a lot of money. They are worth more than any other baseball card. A Jackie Robinson baseball card can fetch up to $5,000 at auction. The value of a Jackie Robinson baseball card depends on its condition and rarity.
What Positions Did Jackie Robinson Play?
He played first base, and he did so with grace and skill. He was an excellent fielder, and he had a great arm. He was a good hitter, too, and he stole a lot of bases.
How Tall Was Jackie Robinson?
Jackie Robinson was six feet tall. He was a world-famous baseball player and the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.
What Awards Did Jackie Robinson Win?
Jackie Robinson’s awards include the National League Rookie of the Year (1947), the National League MVP (1949), and a World Series championship (1955). He was also inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
What Obstacles Did Jackie Robinson Face?
Jackie Robinson faced numerous obstacles during his career as a professional baseball player. One of the most significant was the racism he faced from both fans and fellow players. This was particularly evident during his rookie season, when he was constantly subjected to racial taunts and abuse from both opponents and spectators. Despite this, Robinson persevered and went on to have a successful career, becoming one of the most respected and admired players in the game.
Where Is Jackie Robinson Buried?
Jackie Robinson is buried at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
Why Did People Throw Batteries At Jackie Robinson?
In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Some people didn’t like that he was breaking the color barrier, so they threw batteries at him. They also shouted racial slurs at him and tried to get him to fail. Despite all the hate, Jackie Robinson persevered and became a baseball legend.
How Did Jackie Robinson Change Baseball?
Jackie Robinson is a baseball legend. He was the first African American player in Major League Baseball. He changed the game forever. He was a talented player and an excellent leader. He inspired other African Americans to play baseball. He is an American hero.
How Many Times Did Jackie Robinson Steal Home?
One of the things that made Jackie Robinson so great was his speed. He was an excellent base runner, and he was known for stealing home. In fact, Robinson holds the Major League Baseball record for most stolen bases in a season. He stole home 19 times in his career, which is an incredible feat.
Was Jackie Robinson In The Military?
Yes, Jackie Robinson was in the military. He was drafted into the army in 1942 and served for two years. He was honorably discharged in 1944.
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When Did Jackie Robinson Play His First Game?
Jackie Robinson played his first game on April 15, 1947.
How Many Siblings Did Jackie Robinson Have?
Jackie Robinson had four siblings: two brothers, Mack and Frank, and two sisters, Mattie and Edgar.
Who Inspired Jackie Robinson?
Jackie Robinson was inspired by many people throughout his life, but some of the most influential were his family, friends, and teammates. His family instilled in him a strong sense of character and determination, which helped him persevere through the racism he faced as a professional baseball player. His friends and teammates were always supportive, and they helped him to see the game as an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
If Jackie Robinson got in a time machine and took it to today, what would he do?
If Jackie Robinson got in a time machine and took it to today, he would be amazed by the changes that have taken place. He would see that African Americans are now able to play Major League Baseball and that people of all races are able to play together. He would also see that the country has elected its first African American president. Jackie Robinson would be proud of the progress that has been made, but he would also see that there is still work to be done.
7 Quotes from Jackie Robinson
- “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
- “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”
- “I’m not looking for sympathy. I know what I did and I’m glad I did it.”
- “I’m not necessarily interested in living in the past, but I am interested in learning from the past.”
- “I’m not going to dignify that with a response.”
- “If I’m going to have to walk, I’m going to walk where I like.”
- “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
In conclusion…
Jackie Robinson was an incredible baseball player who had an even more incredible impact on the world. Not only was he a great athlete, but he was also a powerful advocate for racial equality. His legacy continues to inspire people of all ages to fight for what is right.
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