The most important player in baseball history — Jackie Robinson broke MLB's colour barrier in 1947, changing American sport and society with a courage that extended far beyond any statistic.
Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919. Brooklyn Dodgers signed him in 1945 and he appeared in his first major league game on 15 April 1947 — becoming the first Black player to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. His 10-season career produced a .311 batting average, six All-Star selections and the Rookie of the Year award in 1947. He won the NL MVP in 1949 and the World Series with the Dodgers in 1955. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. His number 42 was retired across all of Major League Baseball in 1997 — the only such universal retirement in American professional sport. The date of his debut — 15 April — is celebrated annually as Jackie Robinson Day across MLB.
Breaking baseball's color barrier as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era
How They Played
Aggressive baserunner, versatile infielder with strong batting average and exceptional defensive skills
Lasting Impact
Civil rights pioneer who integrated professional baseball and became a symbol of courage and excellence
World Series Champion 1955
His number 42 is the only number retired across all of Major League Baseball — every team, forever.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- World Series Champion 1955
- NL MVP 1949
- Rookie of the Year 1947
- Number 42 retired across all MLB