Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson (January 31, 1919 ‘ October 24, 1972) was the first African-American Major League Baseball (MLB) player of the modern times. [1]
Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play in baseball’s major leagues in the modern era. [2]
Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play major league baseball, becoming Rookie of the Year in 1947, National League MVP in 1949 and a World Series champ in 1955. [3]
But then again, there haven’t been many people like Jackie Robinson. [4]
Jackie Robinson’s high school teachers suggested a career in gardening. [5]
Only white players were accepted in the major leagues until 1947, when Robinson was called up to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. [2]
Jackie Robinson led the way for generations of black athletes. [4]
To appreciate how far the nation has come, propelled by what began 60 years ago today, consider not the invectives that Robinson heard from opponents’ dugouts and fans but the way he had been praised. [5]
In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s first year with the Dodgers, Major League Baseball permanently retired Robinson’s uniform number, 42. [2]
Inducted into the Hall of Fame by BBWAA as Player in 1962 (124/160 ballots). [6]
Sources:
[1] Jackie Robinson - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[2] Jackie Robinson: Biography from Answers.com
[3] Jackie Robinson Biography - Facts, Birthday, Life Story …
[4] ESPN.com: Jackie changed face of sports
[5] Jackie Robinson: Taking a Bat to Prejudice | All Pro Dad
[6] Jackie Robinson Statistics and History - Baseball-Reference.com