About

Born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, he grew up in Pasadena, California where he excelled in multiple sports. Robinson attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he became the first student-athlete to earn varsity letters in four sports. After briefly serving in the United States Army during World War II, Robinson signed a contract with the Kansas City Monarchs, a team in the Negro American League. However, his talent could not be contained and he was soon scouted by Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who was determined to integrate MLB. On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his historic debut with the Dodgers, becoming the first African American player in the league's modern era. Despite facing immense racial discrimination, Robinson persevered and became an exceptional player, contributing to the success of the Dodgers. Over his ten-year career, he led the National League in stolen bases multiple times, won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1949, and helped the Dodgers capture the World Series championship in 1955. Robinson's impact went beyond the field; he became a symbol of the civil rights movement and inspired countless individuals with his courage and accomplishments. After retiring from baseball, Robinson remained active in promoting civil rights and racial equality. He served on the board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked as a business executive. Robinson's life and career were commemorated in various ways, including the retirement of his jersey number 42 across all MLB teams. Jackie Robinson's influence on American sports and society cannot be overstated. As an exceptional athlete and inspirational figure, he paved the way for countless African American players to follow in his footsteps, and his legacy continues to inspire and resonate today.