Jackie Robinson

Biography

Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1947 and changed America in the process. Branch Rickey chose him not just for his talent but for his temperament - he had to be willing to turn the other cheek, to absorb abuse that would have broken lesser men. Robinson endured racial epithets, death threats, and deliberate attempts to injure him, responding with a style of play that made his point for him. He disrupted games on the basepaths, took extra bases whenever possible, played with an intensity that demanded respect. By 1949, he was the NL MVP. Number 42 is now retired across all baseball - the only player so honored.

Career Highlights

• First African American in MLB
• 1947 Rookie of the Year
• 1949 NL MVP
• 6x All-Star
• Number 42 retired across all MLB

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