Key Facts at a Glance
A concise overview of Jackie Robinson’s defining attributes, achievements, and dates anchors a reliable biography and helps readers quickly map his significance. The following table summarizes verified highlights essential for understanding his journey from military service to historic athletic and civil rights impact.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Jack Roosevelt Robinson | Official records |
| Birth Date | January 31, 1919 | Birth certificate |
| Birth Place | Cairo, Georgia, U.S. | Census and biographical sources |
| Debut in MLB | April 15, 1947 (Brooklyn Dodgers) | MLB archives |
| Position | Second baseman (also played first base and outfield) | Team rosters |
| Rookie of the Year | 1947 | MLB awards |
| NL MVP | 1949 | MLB awards |
| World Series Champion | 1955 (Brooklyn Dodgers) | MLB World Series records |
| Retired Number | 42 (across MLB, honored universally) | MLB policy |
| Died | October 24, 1972 (Stamford, Connecticut) | Obituary records |
Introduction
Jackie Robinson is widely recognized as the athlete who changed baseball and advanced civil rights in the United States. Born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, he grew up in Pasadena, California, where he developed his skills in multiple sports. Robinson served in the U.S. Army before beginning his professional athletics career in the Negro leagues and later in Minor League Baseball. On April 15, 1947, he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first Black player in Major League Baseball in the modern era. This profile explains his athletic achievements, contextualizes his impact within the civil rights movement, and presents verified information based on historical records.
Early Life and Background
Robinson was born into a family of sharecroppers in Georgia, but his family moved to California when he was a child. Growing up in a multiracial, working-class environment shaped his awareness of inequality. He excelled in track and field, football, basketball, and baseball at John Muir High School and later at Pasadena Junior College and the University of California, Los Angeles. Interrupted by military service during World War II, Robinson faced court-martial after refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus, though he was later acquitted. These early experiences informed his resilience and public stance on justice.
Military Service and Athletic Foundation
During World War II, Robinson served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His refusal to comply with segregation on a military bus led to a high-profile legal challenge. Although he faced disciplinary action, his acquittal highlighted the contradictions of segregation. After leaving the Army, Robinson continued to build his athletic profile in semi-professional and Negro league baseball, where his performance attracted attention from Major League scouts. Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers played a pivotal role in selecting Robinson to integrate organized baseball, a decision that required both athletic excellence and personal fortitude.
Major League Career and Milestones
Robinson’s entry into Major League Baseball in 1947 marked a transformative moment in sports history. He faced intense racial hostility, including threats, discriminatory policies, and hostile crowds. Despite this, he maintained composure and delivered strong performances, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors in his first season. In 1949, he won the National League Most Valuable Player award. He helped the Brooklyn Dodgers win the World Series in 1955 and played in six World Series across his career. Robinson’s statistics, leadership, and visibility made him a central figure in challenging segregated practices in professional sports.
On-Field Achievements at a Glance
Robinson’s career statistics and honors reflect both individual excellence and broader influence. His presence on the field redefined opportunities for Black athletes and reshaped team cultures across baseball.
- First Black player in Major League Baseball in the modern era (1947)
- National League Rookie of the Year (1947)
- National League Most Valuable Player (1949)
- World Series champion (1955)
- Retired uniformly across MLB as a tribute to his impact (No. 42)
Civil Rights and Public Activism
Beyond baseball, Robinson used his platform to speak out against racial injustice. After retiring from sports, he became a prominent voice in the civil rights movement, working with organizations and political leaders to advance equality. He criticized slow progress and sometimes publicly disagreed with approaches taken by other activists, reflecting his willingness to engage in difficult conversations. Robinson’s post-baseball writings, speeches, and advocacy helped sustain national attention on civil rights issues. His stance illustrates how athletes can influence public discourse beyond their primary field of play.
Media and Political Engagement
Robinson wrote newspaper columns, appeared on television programs, and met with U.S. presidents to discuss civil rights strategy. While he supported efforts to end segregation and expand voting rights, he also called for economic empowerment and community responsibility. These engagements highlight how he translated personal experience into broader social advocacy. His work remains relevant to modern discussions about athlete activism and the responsibilities of public figures.
Legacy and Historical Assessment
Decades after his playing days, Robinson is regarded as a symbol of courage and progress. Biographies, museum exhibits, and educational curricula continue to examine both his achievements and the complexities of his public persona. His legacy is often measured not only in statistics but also in the doors he opened for subsequent generations of athletes of color. Contemporary assessments weigh his on-field contributions against his role in challenging systemic racism, offering a nuanced view of his influence. This perspective supports a fuller understanding of how individual actions can contribute to long-term social change.
Cultural and Institutional Influence
Every April 15, MLB observes Jackie Robinson Day, with players wearing his number 42 to honor his lasting impact. Institutions including the Baseball Hall of Fame have memorialized his achievements, recognizing both his athletic and social contributions. Scholars continue to study his career as a case study in breaking barriers under intense public scrutiny. As historical records become more accessible, biographies and public discussion increasingly reflect both accomplishments and contested elements of his life. These ongoing evaluations reinforce the importance of evidence-based storytelling when interpreting figures whose lives span sports, politics, and culture.
Conclusion
Jackie Robinson’s biography documents a pivotal figure who reshaped professional sports and influenced civil rights in the United States. Verified records confirm his athletic milestones, his challenges on and off the field, and his sustained engagement in public life. By combining factual detail with historical context, this profile delivers a durable explanation of who he was and why his story continues to matter. Readers seeking reliable information about Robinson can refer to documented evidence, institutional archives, and carefully researched accounts that avoid speculation while honoring his complexity.