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Jackie Robinson?s Debut
April 15, 1947
On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball?s race barrier, playing his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Born in Georgia and raised in California, Robinson was a multi-sport star for the University of California in Los Angeles, but turned to baseball after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He started his career with the Kansas City Monarchs, an all-Black team in what was then known as the Negro Leagues, but he soon caught the eye of Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, who signed Robinson in 1945.
After a stint in the minors, Robinson suited up for his first MLB game at Brooklyn?s Ebbets Field. While the 28-year-old second baseman?s talent was undeniable, he was subjected to virulent racism and abuse from fans, and even other players, and he was often turned away from white-only establishments while on the road. In the face of this discrimination, Robinson was named Rookie of the Year, won MVP in 1949, and led the Dodgers win their first World Series in 1955. He and his wife, Rachel Robinson, also became vocal supporters of the civil rights movement, befriending Martin Luther King Jr. On the 50th anniversary of Robinson?s 1947 debut, his iconic number ?42? was permanently retired league-wide. His contributions and achievements are now honored every April 15 with MLB?s Jackie Robinson Day.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/robinja02.shtml
April 15, 1947
On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball?s race barrier, playing his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Born in Georgia and raised in California, Robinson was a multi-sport star for the University of California in Los Angeles, but turned to baseball after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He started his career with the Kansas City Monarchs, an all-Black team in what was then known as the Negro Leagues, but he soon caught the eye of Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, who signed Robinson in 1945.
After a stint in the minors, Robinson suited up for his first MLB game at Brooklyn?s Ebbets Field. While the 28-year-old second baseman?s talent was undeniable, he was subjected to virulent racism and abuse from fans, and even other players, and he was often turned away from white-only establishments while on the road. In the face of this discrimination, Robinson was named Rookie of the Year, won MVP in 1949, and led the Dodgers win their first World Series in 1955. He and his wife, Rachel Robinson, also became vocal supporters of the civil rights movement, befriending Martin Luther King Jr. On the 50th anniversary of Robinson?s 1947 debut, his iconic number ?42? was permanently retired league-wide. His contributions and achievements are now honored every April 15 with MLB?s Jackie Robinson Day.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/robinja02.shtml
