Early Life
Robinson grew up in Pasadena, California, and became a multi-sport star at UCLA before serving as an Army lieutenant in World War II.
Career
After playing for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro leagues, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization and made his major league debut on April 15, 1947, the first Black player in the modern major leagues. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1947 and National League MVP in 1949, and helped the Dodgers win the 1955 World Series.
Legacy
MLB retired his number 42 across the league in 1997, and April 15 is observed each year as Jackie Robinson Day. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and received the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously in 2005.
Sources and further reading
Last updated: 2026-09-24