Jackie Robinson Biography – Explore the life of Jackie Robinson, the trailblazing athlete who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier. Learn about his early life, education, family, net worth, career achievements, awards, and enduring legacy.
Jackie Robinson (1919–1972) was an American professional baseball player and civil rights activist who made history by becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. His courage and talent not only transformed the sport but also contributed significantly to the American civil rights movement.
Jackie Robinson Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jack Roosevelt Robinson |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Player, Civil Rights Activist |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | January 31, 1919, Cairo, Georgia |
| Died | October 24, 1972, Stamford, Connecticut |
| Education | Attended Pasadena Junior College and UCLA (did not graduate) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $6 million (adjusted for inflation at time of death) |
| Teams | Brooklyn Dodgers (1947–1956) |
| Notable Achievements | Broke MLB color barrier; 1947 Rookie of the Year; 1949 NL MVP; 1955 World Series Champion; Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame (1962) |
| Family | Married to Rachel Isum; three children: Jackie Jr., Sharon, David |
| Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom (1984, posthumously); Congressional Gold Medal (2005, posthumously) |
Key Takeaways
-
Pioneering Athlete: Robinson’s debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 ended racial segregation in Major League Baseball.
-
Academic and Athletic Excellence: Excelled in multiple sports at UCLA, becoming the university’s first athlete to letter in four varsity sports.
-
Civil Rights Advocate: Used his platform to advance civil rights, both during and after his baseball career.
-
Legacy and Honors: Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal; MLB retired his jersey number 42 across all teams.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, Jackie was the youngest of five children to sharecroppers Jerry and Mallie Robinson. After his father left in 1920, the family relocated to Pasadena, California, where they were the only Black family on their block. Robinson attended John Muir High School and Pasadena Junior College, excelling in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He continued his education at UCLA, becoming the university’s first student to earn varsity letters in four sports. Financial difficulties led him to leave UCLA just shy of graduation in 1941.
Military Service and Early Career
In 1942, Robinson was drafted into the U.S. Army. He faced racial discrimination during his service, notably being court-martialed for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus; he was ultimately acquitted and honorably discharged in 1944. After his military service, Robinson played baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues. In 1946, he joined the Montreal Royals, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ minor league team, before making his historic MLB debut in 1947.
Breaking the Color Barrier
On April 15, 1947, Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier. Despite facing significant racism from fans and fellow players, he maintained exceptional performance and composure. His courage and talent paved the way for the integration of professional sports in America.
Career Achievements
-
Rookie of the Year (1947): In his debut season, Robinson was named the inaugural Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
-
National League MVP (1949): He earned the National League Most Valuable Player award, leading the league with a .342 batting average and 37 stolen bases.
-
World Series Champion (1955): Played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory.
-
Six-Time All-Star: Consistently recognized for his outstanding performance on the field.
Awards and Honors
-
Baseball Hall of Fame (1962): Inducted in his first year of eligibility.
-
Presidential Medal of Freedom (1984): Awarded posthumously for his contributions to sports and civil rights.
-
Congressional Gold Medal (2005): Recognized for his impact on American history and culture.
-
Number 42 Retired: MLB universally retired his jersey number in 1997, honoring his legacy.
Jackie Robinson Foundation and Scholarship
Established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, the Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships and leadership development opportunities to minority students. Scholars receive up to $35,000 over four years and attend an annual leadership conference. Eligibility criteria include being a graduating minority high school senior, U.S. citizen, demonstrating financial need, academic excellence, leadership potential, and dedication to community service.
Personal Life
Robinson married Rachel Isum, a UCLA nursing student, in 1946. The couple had three children: Jackie Jr., Sharon, and David. Rachel Robinson has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Jackie’s legacy through educational and philanthropic efforts.
Net Worth
At the time of his death in 1972, Jackie Robinson’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million, adjusted for inflation.
Conclusion
Jackie Robinson was more than just a baseball player—he was a symbol of courage, resilience, and change. By breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, he paved the way for countless athletes and played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. His legacy continues to inspire through the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the retirement of his jersey number across MLB, and the many honors he received posthumously. Robinson’s story is one of perseverance and triumph, reminding us that true greatness extends far beyond the playing field.
FAQs About Jackie Robinson
1. Why is Jackie Robinson famous?
Jackie Robinson is famous for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 when he became the first African American player in the modern era to play in MLB.
2. What team did Jackie Robinson play for?
He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956.
3. What was Jackie Robinson’s net worth?
At the time of his death in 1972, his estimated net worth (adjusted for inflation) was around $6 million.
4. Did Jackie Robinson win a World Series?
Yes, he won the World Series with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955.
5. What awards did Jackie Robinson receive?
Robinson won the National League MVP award in 1949, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, and posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal.
6. What is the Jackie Robinson Foundation?
Founded in 1973 by his wife, Rachel Robinson, the foundation provides scholarships and leadership programs for minority students.
7. Why is Jackie Robinson’s number 42 retired?
In 1997, MLB universally retired Robinson’s jersey number 42 across all teams to honor his contributions to baseball and civil rights.
