Jackie Robinson

Profession: Baseball Player

Nationality:

Biography: Jackie Robinson is an American baseball player best known for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB) when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. His entry into the league was a pivotal moment not just in the history of sports, but also in the broader American civil rights movement.

During his time with the Dodgers, Robinson faced a racial abuse and physical threats from both fans and fellow players. He persevered, however, and ultimately put up outstanding numbers, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1947 and later the National League MVP in 1949.

Over a ten-season career in MLB, he was a six-time All-Star and played in six World Series, winning one championship in 1955. His career stats include a batting average of .311, 137 home runs, and 197 stolen bases.

Off the field, Robinson was a vocal critic of racial discrimination and used his platform to champion the cause of civil rights. After retiring from baseball, he was involved with various businesses and continued his activism, serving on the board of the NAACP and supporting the civil rights movement in several capacities.

In 1962, Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first African American to receive that honor. His life and career have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, including the movie 42, released in 2013.

Robinson's jersey number, 42, was retired by all MLB teams in 1997, a first in the history of the league, meaning that no player from any team would ever wear the number again.

Born: January 31, 1919
Birthplace: Cairo, Georgia, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: October 24, 1972 (aged 53)
Cause of Death: Heart attack