Jackie Robinson left lasting legacy (2024)

FAQs

What is Jackie Robinson's lasting legacy? ›

He was the first African American to win batting title, to win Most Valuable Player, and to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also the MLB's first official Rookie of the Year, and the first baseball player, black or white, to be on a US postage stamp.

For nearly 50 years Jackie Robinson's breaking of the color barrier in the modern baseball era was largely not celebrated across Major League Baseball.

Jackie's difficulties included his poverty, racial identity in a segregated nation, and the hatred that he witnessed in the world of sports because of the color of his skin. In the 1950's, the demographic of the US was approximately 10% Black oppose to 89% white per the census bureau (Census, n.d.).

Weakened by heart disease and diabetes, Robinson died of a heart attack at his home in Connecticut on Oct. 24, 1972. He was 53. His last words, spoken to Rachel, were “I love you.”

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era.

Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in MLB in 1947, won the NL MVP in 1949. By that standard, few people -- and no athlete -- in the 20th century has impacted more lives. Robinson lit the torch and passed it on to several generations of African-American athletes.

Recognizing his athletic talents, Robinson's older brothers, Frank and Mack (himself an accomplished track and field athlete and silver medalist behind Jesse Owens in the 200 meters at the Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics) inspired Jackie to pursue his interest in sports.

He had a temper and an amazing vocabulary of four-letter words.” Moreover, Jackie openly acknowledged that his weakness in life was his temper and that he had made a habit of standing up for himself.

An Unprecedented Career in the Major League

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson stepped onto Ebbets Field for his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was the beginning of an unparalleled career in baseball.

If baseball legend Jackie Robinson was still alive, how old would he be? If he were still alive today, January 28, 2024, he would be 105 years old. He was born on January 31, 1919.

Who wore number 42 in baseball? ›

To see No. 42 on a baseball jersey today is to think of Jackie Robinson. It's inescapable, with anyone in uniform every April 15 donning those digits.

King also developed a friendship with another prominent player, whom he would come to trust for his wisdom and experience: Jackie Robinson. The two men first met during the spring of 1949.

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the United States during the 20th century. On April 15, 1947, he broke the decades-old “colour line” of Major League Baseball when he appeared on the field for the National League Brooklyn Dodgers in a game against the Boston Braves.

Robinson batted second and played first base. He had a single in his first at bat, in the opening inning and he hit a bases empty home run in the top of the third, off the Giants' starter, winning pitcher Dave Koslo. Vic Lombardi took the Brooklyn loss.

Focus on results, and don't get distracted. Accept challenges. Robinson knew he was changing the game; while he could have chosen to remain in the Negro League, he made the bold move to the majors. He wasn't afraid of taking chances, and accepted the challenges that faced him.