Black History Month Fast Facts: Jackie Robinson

Look magazine photograph collection (Library of Congress) , Reproduction Number LC-L9-54-3566-O, #17 DLC (b&w film neg.)

All month long we’re celebrating Black History Month! Before CC Sabathia and Derek Jeter, there was another famous African American baseball player by the name of Jackie Robinson.

Born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia; Jackie Robinson was the first black baseball player to play in the Major League. Jackie Robinson was the first baseball player to end racial segregation in baseball and breakdown racial barriers.

After attending college at UCLA, playing in the Minor League, Negro League, and being drafted to the military, Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 as the first black player to play baseball in the Major League. Robinson went on to play in Six World Series and win a championship in 1955. He also played in Six All-Star games between 1949 and 1954. Jackie Robinson was the first player to receive the legendary MLB Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 and he also received the National Leagues Most Valuable Player Award in 1949.

Jackie Robinson is one the most influential people and athletes in our nation’s history. He was chosen not for his great athletic skills alone but because he had the fortitude to take the abuse he endured from fans, opponents, and even teammates with grace and dignity.

Jackie Robinson retired from Baseball in 1957 and was later inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. After he retired he served his community in many ways and was considered a great humanitarian.

On October 24, 1972 Jackie Robinson died of a heart attack. Rev. Jessie Jackson gave the eulogy at his funeral.