Top 78 Facts about Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers in Baseball and Beyond

Facts about Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson was a trailblazer in Major League Baseball and a champion for civil rights and equality. Born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919, he faced poverty and racial segregation growing up. Despite these obstacles, he became a successful athlete in high school and went on to attend UCLA, where he was the first student to letter in four sports. In 1947, he became the first African American to play in modern Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier in the sport. Despite facing immense pressure and racism, Robinson played exceptionally well and had a successful 10-year career. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and continues to be remembered and celebrated for his contributions to American society and civil rights.

Uncovering the Legacy of Jackie Robinson: A Comprehensive Guide to His Life and Career

Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia.
He was the youngest of five children.
Robinson's family moved to Pasadena, California when he was an infant.
He attended John Muir High School and played several sports including football, basketball, and track.
He attended Pasadena Junior College where he played football and basketball.
He then attended UCLA, where he became the first athlete in the school's history to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track.
In 1942, Robinson was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a second lieutenant in World War II.
After being honorably discharged from the military, Robinson signed a contract with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues.
In 1945, Brooklyn Dodgers' owner Branch Rickey signed Robinson to the team, making him the first African American to play in Major League Baseball.
Robinson made his MLB debut on April 15, 1947, breaking the color barrier in baseball.
Robinson was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1947.
He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-1956.
He was a six-time All-Star and a National League Most Valuable Player award winner in 1949.
Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
He was the first African American television analyst in Major League Baseball.
Robinson was a strong advocate for civil rights and used his platform as a professional athlete to speak out against racial inequality.
In 1948, he founded the Jackie Robinson Construction Company, which aimed to build homes for African Americans in Brooklyn.
He was also a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
In 1957, Robinson became the first African American vice president of a major American corporation when he joined Chock Full O' Nuts.
Robinson was also a successful business entrepreneur and invested in a number of companies including coffee shops and broadcast companies.
He wrote an autobiography entitled "I Never Had It Made" which was published in 1972.
Robinson suffered from type 2 diabetes and eventually passed away from complications of the disease on October 24, 1972 at the age of 53.
In 1997, Major League Baseball retired Robinson's number 42, making it the first time a number had been retired league-wide.
In 2004, the film "42" was released, telling the story of Jackie Robinson and his journey to break the color barrier in baseball.
Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton in 1984.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation was established in 1973 to provide education and leadership development to underserved communities.
Robinson's legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes and activists to fight for social justice.
The baseball field at Jackie Robinson Stadium at UCLA is named in his honor.
Robinson's uniform number, 42, is one of only two numbers retired by every team in Major League Baseball.
He was known for his speed, quickness, and daring base-running style.
In 1949, Robinson led the National League in stolen bases.
He was also a skilled fielder and won a Gold Glove award in 1951.
Robinson was a devout Christian and became a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
He was deeply influenced by his experiences in the military and credited his time in the Army with helping him develop discipline and mental toughness.
Robinson faced racism and discrimination throughout his career, both on and off the field.
Many fans and players hurled racial slurs and death threats at him.
Despite this, Robinson maintained his composure and refused to engage in fights or arguments, instead using his play on the field to silence his detractors.
He faced particular challenges from some of his own teammates, who were uncomfortable with a black player on their team.
Despite these challenges, Robinson's talent and determination helped him to earn the respect of his peers and the wider baseball community.
In 1949, Robinson was named the National League Most Valuable Player, an unprecedented achievement for an African American player at the time.
He was a critical figure in the integration of baseball, and his success on the field paved the way for other African American players to enter the league.
In 1962, Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the first African American to receive this honor.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his legacy continues to inspire athletes and activists alike.
In 1972, Robinson was diagnosed with heart disease and eventually passed away due to complications from diabetes.
Despite his untimely death, his impact on the game of baseball and on American society as a whole has endured for over half a century.
In 1997, Major League Baseball honored Robinson by retiring his number 42 league-wide.
Today, the Jackie Robinson Foundation provides education and leadership development programs to young people from underserved communities.
Robinson is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for other African Americans to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in their own lives.
He was a committed husband and father, and his family continues to carry on his legacy through the Jackie Robinson Foundation and other initiatives.
In his autobiography, "I Never Had It Made," Robinson wrote candidly about his experiences as a black player in a white-dominated sport, and the discrimination and adversity he faced along the way.
He remains an inspiration to athletes, activists, and all those who strive to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
Robinson was a devout Christian and attributed his success to his faith in God.
He was also a vocal advocate for civil rights, speaking out against segregation and discrimination in all forms.
Robinson was a strong supporter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and used his platform as a sports star to bring attention to the struggle for civil rights.
He was a close friend and ally of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and supported his efforts to end segregation and secure equal rights for African Americans.
In addition to his activism, Robinson was also a successful businessman, establishing the Jackie Robinson Construction Company and serving on the board of several corporations.
He was a skilled writer and public speaker, and wrote articles and made speeches on a variety of topics, including civil rights, sports, and social justice.
Despite his many achievements and successes, Robinson never forgot his humble roots and remained dedicated to giving back to his community throughout his life.
In his later years, he was awarded several honors and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Spingarn Medal.
Robinson's impact on baseball and American society as a whole is impossible to overstate. He is widely considered one of the most important figures of the 20th century, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence people all over the world.
Robinson was more than just a baseball player; he was a trailblazer, a civil rights activist, a businessman, a writer, and a leader.
He faced numerous obstacles and challenges throughout his life, but he never lost his passion for justice and equality, and he never stopped fighting for what he believed in.
Today, Robinson's number 42 is widely recognized as a symbol of equality and opportunity, and he is remembered as one of the greatest American heroes of all time.
Robinson's life and career continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, courage, and determination in the face of adversity.
He remains an inspiration to athletes, activists, and all those who seek to make a positive difference in the world.
In 1997, the film "42" was released, depicting Robinson's life and career, and highlighting the struggles he faced as the first African American to play in the Major Leagues.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and helped to bring Robinson's story to a new generation of fans and admirers.
Many schools and sports organizations have established programs and initiatives to honor Robinson's legacy and promote his message of equality and inclusion.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation continues to provide support and resources to young people, helping to carry on Robinson's legacy and inspire the next generation of leaders and activists.
Robinson's impact on baseball has been profound, and his contributions to the sport are still recognized and celebrated today.
Major League Baseball has established April 15th as Jackie Robinson Day, an annual celebration of Robinson's life and legacy, and all players on that day wear the number 42 in honor of Robinson.
Robinson's impact on American society has been equally significant, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence people from all walks of life.
He challenged the status quo and broke down barriers in a time when segregation and discrimination were widespread, and his bravery and determination helped to pave the way for greater equality and justice.
Robinson's life and career serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of courage, determination, and the power of individual action to bring about positive change.
Despite the numerous challenges he faced, Robinson never lost his spirit or his commitment to his beliefs, and he continues to inspire people around the world to this day.
Robinson's legacy is not just about his impact on baseball, but also about his commitment to justice, equality, and the power of the human spirit.
He challenged the status quo, broke down barriers, and inspired change in a time when it was needed most, and his impact continues to be felt today.
Robinson's life and career will always be remembered as a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Conclusion:

Jackie Robinson was a true hero, whose impact on Major League Baseball and American society cannot be overstated. He faced immense obstacles and faced down racism with courage and grace, inspiring generations of athletes and activists. His legacy continues to inspire, more than 50 years after his death, and his impact can be seen in the many museums, exhibitions, books, and documentaries dedicated to his life and career. Today, Jackie Robinson is remembered as a true American hero, a man who fought for civil rights and equality and left a lasting impact on American society.