Jack Roosevelt ‘Jackie’ Robinson is a name that will always be remembered in Black History. A name that belonged to a man who first broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB). It was not just his skills on the field or the number of trophies he accumulated that made him one of the greatest black men in sports history; it is what he offered the world and the door he opened for black people in baseball and other sports. Born on the 31st of January 1919 to Jerry and Mallie Robinson in Cairo, Georgia, Jackie
Robinson is the youngest of five children. He, along with his mother and siblings, moved to Pasadena, California, after his father left the family when he was just a year old. It is said that Robinson’s athletic prowess began at a very young age. In high school, he played five sports: baseball, basketball, football, tennis, and track and field, all of which he excelled in, as he held the title of “Outstanding Athlete” at Muir for two years. He continued playing multiple sports even when he was in college and in 1938, he was
introduced to the major league baseball. In 1939, he got into the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he became the first person of color athlete to win four varsity letters – including baseball, basketball, football, and track. In 1941, when he was in his third year in UCLA, he dropped out and took up the job of an assistant athletic director. In 1942, he joined the Army where he attended the Officer Candidate School. The following year, he earned the title of second lieutenant; however in 1944, he was court-martialed for refusing an order to sit at the back of the bus. That same year, he was honorably discharged. In the early period of 1945, Robinson got the offer to play baseball professionally with the Kansas City Monarchs, a Negro League Team. During his time with the Monarchs, he had various standouts, catching the attention of the general manager and president of the Brooklyn Dodger, Branch Rickey. Rickey successfully signed Robinson and on the 23rd of October 1945, Robinson on the Dodger Farm team, the Montreal Royals of the International League, till 1946. During his time with the Montreal Royals, where he played 124 games, he hit .319, scored 113 runs, and stole 40 bases.
Plenty of times I wanted to haul off when somebody insulted me for the color of my skin, but I had to hold to myself. I knew I was kind of an experiment. The whole thing was bigger than me.”
Jackie Robinson
On April 15, 1947, at the age of 28, Robinson made his big debut when he was brought to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He became the first African American in African American history to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. He led the Dodgers to win a 5-3 victory, becoming an instant favorite due to his athletic prowess on the field. This historic moment opened various doors, breaking the color line of Major League Baseball. He went on to win the award for MLB Rookie of the Year after his first season with the Dodgers, having 175 hits (scoring 125 runs), including 31 doubles, 5 triples, and 12 home runs, driving in 48 runs for the year. In 1949, he was selected as the League’s MVP (Most Valuable Player), having stolen 37 bases, hit .342, and 124 runs. Robinson’s first season, however, was not trouble-free as the racism and segregation ran strong, even among his own teammates. Many openly protested against playing with a black man, and some fans hurled bottles or shoes at him; he received various racial slurs
and threats and was banned by law from eating in hotels or staying at a restaurant where his teammates were present. However, Robinson’s sensational baseball skill, composure, and exceptional talent won over everyone. During his ten seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers, he led them to win six league championships or pennants and a World Championship in 1955.
A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
Jackie Robinson
He retired in 1956, having bagged 972 scored runs, a .313 batting average, 200 stolen bases, and 1,563 hits. In 1962, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. After his retirement, he carried on his activism, advocating change and serving as a member of the NAACP. In 1972, he died of a heart attack. Robinson’s impact on Major League Baseball will always be remembered in black history. Today, regardless of the color, on the 15th of April, every team in the major league wears the number 42 to honor and celebrate Jackie Robinson. His contribution and legacy to the game is one that will always live on, making him an icon in black history online.