Jackie Robinson Biography – Explore the life of Jackie Robinson, the trailblazing athlete who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier. Learn about his net worth, early life, hometown, teams, family, height, stats, and achievements in this comprehensive biography.
Jackie Robinson stands as a monumental figure in American history, celebrated for his groundbreaking role in integrating Major League Baseball (MLB). Beyond his athletic prowess, Robinson’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s social fabric. This biography delves into the multifaceted life of Jackie Robinson, exploring his early years, professional milestones, personal life, and enduring legacy.
Jackie Robinson Biography: Personal Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jack Roosevelt Robinson |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Player, Civil Rights Activist |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1919 |
| Place of Birth | Cairo, Georgia, USA |
| Date of Death | October 24, 1972 |
| Place of Death | Stamford, Connecticut, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Teams Played For | Kansas City Monarchs (Negro Leagues), Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB) |
| Position | First Baseman, Second Baseman, Third Baseman, Outfielder |
| Batting Average | .311 |
| Home Runs | 137 |
| Runs Batted In (RBIs) | 734 |
| Spouse | Rachel Isum Robinson (married in 1946) |
| Children | Jackie Robinson Jr., Sharon Robinson, David Robinson |
| Net Worth at Time of Death | Approximately $6 million (adjusted for inflation) |
Key Takeaways
- Pioneering Athlete: Jackie Robinson broke MLB’s color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues in the 20th century.
- Early Life: Born in Cairo, Georgia, and raised in Pasadena, California, Robinson excelled in multiple sports during his youth.
- Professional Career: Played for the Kansas City Monarchs before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he had a stellar MLB career.
- Family: Married Rachel Isum in 1946; the couple had three children: Jackie Jr., Sharon, and David.
- Legacy: Beyond baseball, Robinson was a dedicated civil rights activist and left a lasting impact on American society.
Early Life and Education
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, to sharecroppers Jerry and Mallie Robinson. He was the youngest of five siblings. In 1920, after his father abandoned the family, Mallie moved with her children to Pasadena, California, seeking better opportunities. Growing up in Pasadena, Robinson faced the challenges of racial prejudice but found solace and expression in athletics.
At Muir Technical High School, Robinson showcased his athletic versatility, excelling in football, basketball, track, and baseball. His exceptional performance earned him a place at Pasadena Junior College, where he continued to shine in multiple sports. Later, he transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), becoming the first student to letter in four varsity sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track.
Despite his athletic achievements, financial difficulties forced Robinson to leave UCLA before completing his degree. He moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he briefly played semi-professional football for the Honolulu Bears. However, his stint was cut short by the onset of World War II.
Military Service
In 1942, Robinson was drafted into the United States Army. He faced racial discrimination during his service, notably an incident where he refused to move to the back of a segregated bus, leading to a court-martial. Robinson was ultimately acquitted and honorably discharged in 1944. His experiences in the military further solidified his resolve to challenge racial injustices.
Professional Baseball Career
Negro Leagues
After his discharge, Robinson joined the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League in 1945. Playing as a shortstop, he quickly made a name for himself with his impressive batting and base-running skills. His performance caught the attention of Brooklyn Dodgers’ general manager, Branch Rickey, who was scouting for talent to integrate MLB.
Breaking the Color Barrier
In 1947, Robinson made history by debuting with the Brooklyn Dodgers, effectively breaking MLB’s longstanding color barrier. His entry into the league was met with both support and hostility. Despite facing racial slurs, threats, and discrimination from fans and fellow players, Robinson maintained his composure and let his performance on the field speak volumes.
MLB Achievements
Robinson’s MLB career was marked by numerous accolades:
- Rookie of the Year (1947): In his debut season, Robinson led the National League in stolen bases and was named Rookie of the Year.
- Most Valuable Player (1949): He won the MVP award after leading the league with a .342 batting average and 37 stolen bases.
- All-Star Selections: Robinson was selected for six consecutive All-Star Games from 1949 to 1954.
- World Series Champion (1955): He played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory over the New York Yankees.
Over his ten-year MLB career, Robinson maintained a .311 batting average, hit 137 home runs, and accumulated 734 RBIs. His aggressive base running and defensive versatility made him one of the most dynamic players of his era.
Personal Life
In 1946, Robinson married Rachel Isum, a nursing student he met during his time at UCLA. The couple had three children: Jackie Robinson Jr., Sharon, and David. Rachel stood by Robinson throughout his career, providing unwavering support amidst the challenges they faced due to racial discrimination.
Tragically, their eldest son, Jackie Jr., struggled with emotional distress after serving in the Vietnam War and died in a car accident in 1971. Despite this personal loss, the Robinson family remained committed to social causes.
Post-Baseball Career and Activism
After retiring from baseball in 1957, Robinson became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. He used his platform to advocate for racial integration and equality. Robinson wrote columns for various newspapers, addressing issues of racial injustice and urging African Americans to exercise their right to vote.
He also became the first African American vice president of a major American corporation when he joined Chock full o’Nuts in 1957. In 1964, Robinson co-founded the Freedom National Bank in Harlem, aiming to provide financial services to the African American community.
Legacy and Honors
Jackie Robinson’s impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond. His contributions to sports, civil rights, and American society made him one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. His legacy is preserved through various honors, awards, and institutions dedicated to his memory.
Retirement of Jersey Number 42
In 1972, the Dodgers retired Robinson’s jersey number 42, making him the first player in franchise history to receive such an honor. His number was later permanently retired across all Major League Baseball teams in 1997, marking the first and only time such a tribute had been bestowed upon a player in MLB history. Since then, only players who were already wearing the number at the time have been allowed to continue using it.
Jackie Robinson Day
In 2004, Major League Baseball established Jackie Robinson Day, celebrated annually on April 15th, the anniversary of his MLB debut. On this day, every player, coach, and umpire wears the number 42 to honor Robinson’s contributions to baseball and society. This tradition serves as a reminder of his courage and the barriers he broke for future generations.
Hall of Fame Induction
Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, becoming the first African American player to receive this prestigious honor. His induction speech emphasized the need for continued progress in racial equality, not just in sports but in all aspects of American life.
Jackie Robinson Foundation
Following his passing, Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, established the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and mentoring programs to minority students. The foundation has since helped thousands of young people achieve academic and professional success.
U.S. Postage Stamps and Coins
To honor his legacy, the United States Postal Service issued commemorative stamps featuring Jackie Robinson in 1982 and 1999. In 2022, the U.S. Mint released a special Jackie Robinson commemorative coin to celebrate the 75th anniversary of his MLB debut.
The Jackie Robinson Museum
In 2022, the Jackie Robinson Museum opened in New York City, providing a space for visitors to learn about his life, achievements, and contributions to civil rights. The museum houses memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and educational programs designed to inspire future generations.
Death and Posthumous Recognition
Jackie Robinson’s health began to decline in his later years due to diabetes and heart complications. On October 24, 1972, he passed away at the age of 53 in Stamford, Connecticut. His funeral was attended by thousands, including notable civil rights leaders and former teammates.
Even after his passing, Robinson’s influence continues to be felt. His contributions to baseball and society are frequently celebrated through books, documentaries, and films, including the critically acclaimed movie “42” (2013), which starred Chadwick Boseman as Robinson.
Conclusion
Jackie Robinson was more than just a baseball player—he was a trailblazer, a civil rights icon, and a symbol of resilience. His courage in breaking MLB’s color barrier paved the way for countless African American athletes and helped shift the conversation on racial equality in the United States. His legacy is preserved through the many honors he has received, the impact he made in the world of sports, and his lasting contributions to the fight for justice and equality. Even decades after his passing, Robinson’s influence continues to inspire new generations to challenge barriers and strive for excellence.
FAQs About Jackie Robinson Biography
1. Why is Jackie Robinson famous?
Jackie Robinson is famous for being the first African American player in Major League Baseball in the modern era, breaking the sport’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
2. What was Jackie Robinson’s net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of his death in 1972, Jackie Robinson’s net worth was estimated at around $6 million (adjusted for inflation).
3. What teams did Jackie Robinson play for?
Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs (Negro Leagues) before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB) in 1947.
4. How tall was Jackie Robinson?
Jackie Robinson stood 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall.
5. What impact did Jackie Robinson have on civil rights?
Robinson played a significant role in the civil rights movement by breaking racial barriers in sports, advocating for equal rights, and supporting various civil rights initiatives throughout his life.
