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Jackie RobinsonAmerican baseball player
Date of Birth: 31.01.1919
Country:  USA |
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American Baseball Player
Jackie Robinson was an American baseball player who became famous as the first African American to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. He was born in Cairo, Georgia, to sharecropper parents during the height of the smallpox and Spanish flu epidemics. Robinson was the youngest of five children and was named after former President Theodore Roosevelt, who had passed away shortly before his birth. In 1920, Robinson's father left the family, and they moved to Pasadena, California, where he grew up in poverty.
Early Life
Robinson's childhood was marked by hardship and lack of entertainment. At one point, he even joined a local gang, but was convinced by a friend to leave. It wasn't until high school and college that Robinson found his passion in sports. He excelled in athletics and showcased his talents in an impressive manner.
Military Career
In 1942, Robinson joined the United States Cavalry. Alongside a few other African American soldiers, he applied to attend Officer Candidate School. Despite the army's supposedly neutral stance on the race of officers, his application was initially delayed. It was only through the intervention of legendary boxer Joe Louis and lawyer Truman Gibson that the process was expedited. However, in July 1944, Robinson's military career took a downturn due to racial issues. A confrontation with a bus driver, who demanded that Robinson sit in the back, led to his transfer and false accusations from his new commanding officer. In August 1944, Robinson faced a court-martial, but he was ultimately acquitted of all charges. He did not have the chance to serve in combat due to the lengthy legal proceedings.
Baseball Career
After leaving the military, Robinson returned to sports. He initially played football, but then transitioned to coaching and eventually, baseball. He started in the "Negro" leagues, but his outstanding abilities quickly paved his way to success. On April 15, 1947, Robinson broke the color barrier when he became the first African American player to be fielded by the Brooklyn Dodgers. This momentous event had a significant impact on the fight against racial segregation. However, Robinson's talent as a baseball player ultimately overshadowed the color of his skin. He achieved remarkable success throughout his career.
Achievements and Legacy
Over his ten seasons, Robinson participated in six World Series games and helped the Dodgers win the championship in 1955. He was selected for the All-Star Games consecutively from 1949 to 1954, and in 1947, he became the first player to receive the newly established MLB Rookie of the Year Award. In 1949, Jackie Robinson became the first African American player in baseball history to be named the National League Most Valuable Player. In 1962, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 1997, Major League Baseball officially retired his jersey number 42, making him the first professional athlete to receive such an honor. In honor of Robinson and his number, a holiday called "Jackie Robinson Day" was established, where players from all major league teams wear the number 42 exclusively. Robinson also made significant contributions off the field, becoming the first African American television analyst and vice president of a major American corporation. In 1960, he helped establish Freedom National Bank in Harlem, New York, one of the first financial institutions owned by African Americans. Robinson received posthumous accolades such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He passed away on October 24, 1972, due to a heart attack, having battled diabetes and numerous cardiovascular issues.
