Jack Roosevelt Robinson

Born:

January 31, 1919, Cairo, Georgia, USA

Died:

October 24, 1972, Stamford, Connecticut, USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Professional Baseball Player, Business Executive, Civil Rights Activist

Early Life and Education

• Born into a family of sharecroppers in rural Georgia.
• Moved to Pasadena, California, as an infant.
• Excelled in multiple sports at John Muir High School and Pasadena Junior College.
• Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he became the first athlete in the university's history to letter in four sports (baseball, basketball, football, and track).
• Left UCLA before graduating due to financial hardship and to support his family.

Career and Major Achievements

• Served in the U.S. Army during World War II, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant.
• Played baseball in the Negro Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945.
• Signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1945 by Branch Rickey.
• Broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball on April 15, 1947, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
• Won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1947.
• Named National League Most Valuable Player in 1949.
• Played in six World Series with the Dodgers, winning the 1955 World Series.
• Retired from baseball after the 1956 season, refusing a trade to the New York Giants.
• Became a business executive with Chock Full o' Nuts following his baseball career.
• Actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, working with the NAACP and other organizations.

Notable Works

• Robinson, Jackie. I Never Had It Made: An Autobiography. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1972.
• Numerous articles and speeches on civil rights and equality.
• Subject of numerous biographies, documentaries, and films, including the 2013 film "42". A jackie robinson biography printable version is often sought after for educational purposes.

Legacy and Impact

Jackie Robinson's legacy extends far beyond baseball. He became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement and a role model for generations of African Americans. His courage, dignity, and exceptional athletic ability challenged racial stereotypes and helped pave the way for integration in sports and society. His impact is recognized through numerous awards, monuments, and the annual Jackie Robinson Day celebration in Major League Baseball.

Awards and Honors

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