American · Cairo, USA · Born 31 January 1919 · Died 1972-10-24American baseball player who broke MLB's color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era.
Born in Cairo, Georgia on January 31, 1919, Jack Roosevelt Robinson grew up in Pasadena, California after his family moved west when he was a toddler. He excelled in multiple sports at UCLA, becoming the first athlete in the university's history to letter in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. After serving as a second lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II, Robinson played in the Negro Leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945. Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey signed Robinson in October 1945, initially assigning him to the Montreal Royals, the team's top minor league affiliate. On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his major league debut, breaking baseball's color barrier and becoming the first Black player in the modern era of Major League Baseball. Despite facing intense racial hostility from fans, opposing players, and even some teammates, he maintained remarkable composure and exceptional play on the field. Robinson's ten-year career with the Dodgers produced outstanding statistics and accolades. He compiled a .311 career batting average, earned six All-Star selections, and won the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award in 1947. His peak season came in 1949 when he won the National League MVP Award, leading the league in batting average (.342) and stolen bases (37). Robinson helped the Dodgers reach six World Series, finally capturing the championship in 1955. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility. Robinson's impact extends far beyond his playing statistics. His courage in integrating baseball catalyzed the broader civil rights movement and paved the way for future generations of Black athletes. Major League Baseball retired his number 42 across all teams in 1997, the only universal retirement in American professional sports. April 15 is now celebrated annually as Jackie Robinson Day throughout MLB, with all players wearing number 42 to honor his groundbreaking legacy.
Breaking baseball's color barrier as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era
His number 42 is the only number retired across all of Major League Baseball — every team, forever.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive baserunner, versatile infielder with strong batting average and exceptional defensive skills
Lasting Impact
Civil rights pioneer who integrated professional baseball and became a symbol of courage and excellence
Career Honours
- World Series Champion 1955
- NL MVP 1949
- Rookie of the Year 1947
- Number 42 retired across all MLB
- MLB Rookie of the Year 1947
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Dodgers | 1947–1956 | — |
| Kansas City Monarchs | 1945–1945 | — |
| Montreal Royals | 1946–1946 | — |
American Athletes