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 Georgia.
• Moved to Pasadena, California, with his mother and siblings.
• Attended Pasadena Junior College, excelling in multiple sports.
• Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he starred in baseball, basketball, football, and track.

Career and Major Achievements

• Served in the United States Army during World War II.
• Played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues.
• Signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1947, breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
• Named MLB Rookie of the Year in 1947.
• Won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949.
• Played in six World Series, winning one in 1955.
• Retired from baseball in 1957.
• Became a business executive with Chock full o'Nuts.
• Worked as a television analyst for ABC.

Notable Works

• Authored the autobiography, "I Never Had It Made."

Legacy and Impact

Jackie Robinson's courageous breaking of the color barrier in baseball paved the way for integration in sports and society. He became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement and inspired generations of athletes and activists. The significance of Jackie Robinson's contributions is well-documented, and the Jackie Robinson biography African-American museum section often showcases his role in American history.

Awards and Recognition

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