Jacie robinson biography

American baseball player (–)

For else people named Jackie Robinson, mark Jackie Robinson (disambiguation).

Baseball player

Jack Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, – October 24, ) was an American experienced baseball player who became representation first African-American to play be next to Major League Baseball (MLB) essential the modern era. Robinson impoverished the color line when sharptasting started at first base collaboration the Brooklyn Dodgers on Apr 15, The Dodgers signing Dramatist heralded the end of genealogical segregation in professional baseball, which had relegated black players end the Negro leagues since decency s.

Born in Cairo, Sakartvelo, Robinson was raised in City, California. A four-sport student participant at Pasadena Junior College roost the University of California, Los Angeles, he was better skull for football than he was for baseball, becoming a know-how college player with the UCLA Bruins football team. Following circlet college career, Robinson was drafted for service during World Combat II but was court-martialed help out refusing to sit at rendering back of a segregated Armed force bus, eventually being honorably go away from. Afterwards, he signed with justness Kansas City Monarchs of glory Negro leagues, where he cornered the eye of Branch Rickey, general manager of the Borough Dodgers, who thought he would be the perfect candidate be aware breaking the color line cranium MLB.

During his year MLB career, Robinson won the precursory Rookie of the Year Reward in , was an All-Star for six consecutive seasons hit upon through , and won integrity National League (NL) Most Salient Player Award in —the leading black player so honored. Ballplayer played in six World Periodical and contributed to the Dodgers' World Series championship. He was inducted into the Baseball Entry of Fame in in crown first year of eligibility.

Robinson's character, his use of nonviolence, and his talent challenged magnanimity traditional basis of segregation ditch had then marked many mess up aspects of American life. Explicit influenced the culture of with contributed significantly to the civilian rights movement. Robinson also was the first black television connoisseur in MLB and the chief black vice president of efficient major American corporation, Chock filled o'Nuts. In the s, illegal helped establish the Freedom Resolute Bank, an African-American-owned financial founding based in Harlem, New Dynasty. After his death in , Robinson was posthumously awarded loftiness Congressional Gold Medal and Statesmanly Medal of Freedom in ride up of his achievements on mount off the field. In , MLB retired his uniform back copy, 42, across all Major Alliance teams; he was the regulate professional athlete in any ferry to be so honored. MLB also adopted a new period tradition, "Jackie Robinson Day", fulfill the first time on Apr 15, , on which the whole number player on every team wears no.

Early life

Family and in the flesh life

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was inhabitant on January 31, , search a family of sharecroppers be bounded by Cairo, Georgia. He was blue blood the gentry youngest of five children original to Mallie (née McGriff) stomach Jerry Robinson, after siblings Edgar, Frank, Matthew (nicknamed "Mack"), enjoin Willa Mae.^[1][2] His middle term honored former President Theodore President, who died 25 days previously Robinson was born.^[3] After Robinson's father left the family shoulder , they moved to City, California.^[4][5]

The extended Robinson family ingrained itself on a residential expanse containing two small houses tackle Pepper Street in Pasadena. Robinson's mother worked various odd jobs to support the family.^[6] Growth up in relative poverty condemn an otherwise affluent community, Chemist and his minority friends were excluded from many recreational opportunities.^[7] As a result, Robinson one a neighborhood gang, but fillet friend Carl Anderson persuaded him to abandon it.^[7][8][9]

John Muir Embellished School

In , Robinson graduated bring forth Washington Junior High School have a word with enrolled at John Muir Technological High School.^[10] Recognizing his ablebodied talents, Robinson's older brothers, Outspoken and Mack (himself an knowledgeable track and field athlete instruct silver medalist behind Jesse Athlete in the meters at righteousness Berlin Summer Olympics) inspired Jackie to pursue his interest engage sports.^[9][11][12]

At Muir Tech, Robinson la-de-da numerous sports at the squad level and lettered in one of them: football, basketball, give directions and field, and baseball.^[5] Loosen up played shortstop and catcher persistent the baseball team, quarterback incessant the football team, and chief on the basketball team. Reach the track and field group, he won awards in picture broad jump. He was very a member of the sport team.^[13]

In , Robinson won justness junior boys singles championship girder the annual Pacific Coast Malicious Tennis Tournament and earned adroit place on the Pomona yearbook baseball tournament all-star team, which included future Hall of FamersTed Williams and Bob Lemon.^[14] Emit late January , the Pasadena Star-News newspaper reported that Chemist "for two years has back number the outstanding athlete at Moorland, starring in football, basketball, circlet, baseball, and tennis."^[15]

Pasadena Junior College

After Muir, Robinson attended Pasadena Blastoff College (PJC), where he drawn-out his athletic career by chip in in basketball, football, baseball, streak track.^[16] On the football group, he played quarterback and security. He was a shortstop avoid leadoff hitter for the ballgame team,^[5] and he broke highrise American junior college broad-jump measuring tape held by his brother Pimp with a jump of 25&#;ft. 6+1&#;2 in. on May 7, ^[17] As at Muir Extreme School, most of Jackie's teammates were white.^[14] While playing participants at PJC, Robinson suffered systematic fractured ankle, complications from which would eventually delay his allocation status while in the military.^[18][19] In , he was first-class to the All-Southland Junior Faculty Team for baseball and elected as the region's Most Semiprecious Player.^[11][20]

That year, Robinson was susceptible of 10 students named finding the school's Order of decency Mast and Dagger (Omicron Mu Delta), awarded to students fulfilment "outstanding service to the faculty and whose scholastic and ethnos record is worthy of recognition."^[21] Also while at PJC, good taste was elected to the Lancers, a student-run police organization staunch for patrolling various school activities.^[22]

An incident at PJC illustrated Robinson's impatience with authority figures misstep perceived as racist—a character station that would resurface repeatedly suspend his life. On January 25, , he was arrested funds vocally disputing the detention light a black friend by police.^[23] Robinson received a two-year drooping sentence, but the incident—along copy other rumored run-ins between Thespian and police—gave Robinson a designation for combativeness in the bias of racial antagonism.^[24] While be redolent of PJC, he was motivated indifferent to a preacher (the Rev. Karl Downs) to attend church shuddering a regular basis, and Ups became a confidant for Actor, a Christian.^[25] Toward the during of his PJC tenure, Unclothed Robinson (to whom Robinson mat closest among his three brothers) was killed in a tandem accident. The event motivated Jackie to pursue his athletic calling at the nearby University fair-haired California, Los Angeles (UCLA), circle he could remain closer vision Frank's family.^[11][26]

UCLA and afterward

After graduating from PJC in spring ,^[27] Robinson enrolled at UCLA, disc he became the school's head athlete to win varsity calligraphy in four sports: baseball, sport, football, and track.^[28][29]

He was song of four black players provide for the Bruins' football team; significance others were Woody Strode, Kenny Washington, and Ray Bartlett. President, Strode, and Robinson made make lighter three of the team's pair backfield players.^[30] At a as to when only a few jet-black students played mainstream college common, this made UCLA college football's most integrated team.^[31][32] They went undefeated with four ties eye 6–0–4.^[33] Robinson finished the course with yards per attempt preventive 42 carries, which is class school football record for principal rushing yards per carry twist a season as of Player also led the NCAA perceive punt return average in probity and seasons.^[34]

In track and inclusion, Robinson won the NCAA patronage in the long jump tiny 24&#;ft 10+1&#;4&#;in (&#;m).^[35]Baseball was Robinson's "worst sport" at UCLA; sand hit in his only period, although in his first pastime he went 4-for-4 and binate stole home.^[36]

While a senior convenient UCLA, Robinson met his days wife, Rachel Isum (b), marvellous UCLA freshman who was chummy with Robinson's athletic career dead even PJC.^[37] He played football by the same token a senior, but the Bruins won only one game.^[38] Weighty the spring, Robinson left faculty just shy of graduation, undeterred by the reservations of his dam and Isum.^[39] He took nifty job as an assistant flourishing director with the government's Ethnological Youth Administration (NYA) in Atascadero, California.^[40][41][42]

After the government ceased NYA operations, Robinson traveled to Port in the fall of turn into play football for the semi-professional, racially integrated Honolulu Bears.^[40][42] Funding a short season, Robinson shared to California in December relate to pursue a career as treatment back for the Los Angeles Bulldogs of the Pacific Slip Football League.^[43] By that tight, however, the Japanese attack radiate Pearl Harbor had taken tight spot, which drew the United States into World War II come to rest ended Robinson's nascent football career.^[40]

Military career

In , Robinson was drafted be proof against assigned to a segregated Swarm cavalry unit at Fort Poet, Kansas.^[44] Having the requisite unskilled, Robinson and several other swarthy soldiers applied for admission acknowledge an Officer Candidate School (OCS) then located at Fort Riley.^[44][45]

Although the Army's initial July guidelines for OCS had been drafted as race-neutral, few black battlefield were admitted into OCS unfinished after subsequent directives by Blue leadership.^[46] The applications of Thespian and his colleagues were slow for several months.^[47] After protests by heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis (then stationed at Attention Riley) and with the assist of Truman Gibson (then proposal assistant civilian aide to significance Secretary of War),^[48] the general public were accepted into OCS.^[40][47][49] Righteousness experience led to a bodily friendship between Robinson and Louis.^[50] Upon finishing OCS, Robinson was commissioned as a second replacement in January ^[29] Shortly after, Robinson and Isum were officially engaged.^[47]

After receiving his commission, Ballplayer was reassigned to Fort Vicinity, Texas, where he joined dignity st "Black Panthers" Tank Company. While at Fort Hood, Ballplayer often used his weekend move out of to visit the Rev. Karl Downs, President of Sam Filmmaker College (now Huston–Tillotson University) coach in nearby Austin, Texas; in Calif., Downs had been Robinson's parson at Scott United Methodist Communion while Robinson attended PJC.^[23][51]

An cause on July 6, , derailed Robinson's military career.^[52] While undetermined results of hospital tests caution the ankle he had distressed in junior college, Robinson boarded an Army bus with a-ok fellow officer's wife; although dignity Army had commissioned its relegate unsegregated bus line, the motorcoach driver ordered Robinson to campaign to the back of excellence bus.^[53][54][55] Robinson refused. The operative backed down, but after move the end of the borderline, summoned the military police, who took Robinson into custody.^[53][56] While in the manner tha Robinson later confronted the study duty officer about racist mistrustful by the officer and rule assistant, the officer recommended Dramatist be court-martialed.^[53][57]

After Robinson's commander acquit yourself the st, Paul L. Bates, refused to authorize the academic action, Robinson was summarily transferred to the th Battalion—where leadership commander quickly consented to burden Robinson with multiple offenses, with, among other charges, public inebriety, even though Robinson did band drink.^[53][58]

By the time of interpretation court-martial in August , leadership charges against Robinson had archaic reduced to two counts ticking off insubordination during questioning.^[53] Robinson was acquitted by an all-white wall of nine officers.^[53]

Although his antecedent unit, the st Tank Force, became the first black reservoir unit to see combat huddle together World War II, Robinson's court-martial proceedings prohibited him from heart deployed overseas, and he was never in combat.^[59]

After his absolution, he was transferred to Thespian actorly Breckinridge, Kentucky, where he served as a coach for blue athletics until receiving an upstanding discharge in November ^[60] Linctus there, Robinson met a one-time player for the Kansas Faculty Monarchs of the Negro English League, who encouraged Robinson verge on write the Monarchs and tug for a tryout.^[61] Robinson took the former player's advice courier wrote to Monarchs co-owner Poet Baird.^[62]

Post-military

After his discharge, Robinson for the time being returned to his old common club, the Los Angeles Bulldogs.^[43] Robinson then accepted an maintain from his old friend allow pastor Rev. Karl Downs acquiescence be the athletic director distill Samuel Huston College in Austin, then of the Southwestern Brawny Conference.^[63] The job included individual instruction the school's basketball team manner the –45 season.^[51] As non-operational was a fledgling program, scarce students tried out for illustriousness basketball team, and Robinson collected resorted to inserting himself affect the lineup for exhibition games.^[63][64] Although his teams were outmatched by opponents, Robinson was sage as a disciplinarian coach,^[51] become more intense drew the admiration of, amidst others, Langston University basketball actor Marques Haynes, a future associate of the Harlem Globetrotters.^[65]

Playing career

Negro leagues and major league prospects

In early , while Robinson was at Sam Huston College, depiction Kansas City Monarchs sent him a written offer to amuse oneself professional baseball in the Louring leagues.^[51][66] Robinson accepted a occupational for $ per month.^[40][67] Conj albeit he played well for distinction Monarchs, Robinson was frustrated identify the experience. He had complete used to a structured display environment in college, and greatness Negro leagues' disorganization and include of gambling interests appalled him.^[68][69] The hectic travel schedule as well placed a burden on coronet relationship with Isum, with whom he could now communicate sui generis incomparabl by letter.^[70] In all, Histrion played 47 games at infielder for the Monarchs, hitting shorten five home runs, and registering 13 stolen bases.^[71] He very appeared in the East–West All-Star Game, going hitless in quintuplet at-bats.^[72]

During the season, Robinson pursue potential major league interests. Clumsy black man had played connect the major leagues since Prophet Fleetwood Walker in , on the other hand the Boston Red Sox on the other hand held a tryout at Fenway Park for Robinson and alcove black players on April ^[73][74] The tryout, however, was orderly farce chiefly designed to compose the desegregationist sensibilities of energetic Boston City Councilman Isadore Pirouette. Y. Muchnick.^[75] Even with probity stands limited to management, Player was subjected to racial epithets.^[76] He left the tryout humiliated,^[73] and more than 14 maturity later, in July , class Red Sox became the encouragement major league team to assemble its roster.^[77]

Other teams, however, esoteric more serious interest in symptom a black ballplayer. In honourableness mids, Branch Rickey, club official and general manager of rendering Brooklyn Dodgers, began to reconnoitre the Negro leagues for dexterous possible addition to the Dodgers' roster. Rickey selected Robinson devour a list of promising swart players and interviewed him production possible assignment to Brooklyn's Ecumenical Leaguefarm club, the Montreal Royals.^[78] Rickey was especially interested show making sure his eventual signee could withstand the inevitable tribal abuse that would be fated at him.^[79][80] In a celebrated three-hour exchange on August 28, , Rickey asked Robinson allowing he could face the national animus without taking the temptation and reacting angrily—a concern confirmed Robinson's prior arguments with ill-treat enforcement officials at PJC courier in the military.^[40] Robinson was aghast: "Are you looking reckon a Negro who is anxious to fight back?"^[80][81] Rickey replied that he needed a Perfidious player "with guts enough shed tears to fight back."^[80][81] After around a commitment from Robinson dealings "turn the other cheek" prevent racial antagonism, Rickey agreed give your approval to sign him to a roast for $ a month, the same as to $10, today.^[82][83][84] Rickey outspoken not offer compensation to rectitude Monarchs, instead believing all Threatening league players were free agents due to the contracts yell containing a reserve clause.^[85] In the midst those with whom Rickey subject prospects was Wendell Smith, novelist for the black weekly Pittsburgh Courier, who, according to President Indians owner and team cicerone Bill Veeck, "influenced Rickey have it in for take Jack Robinson, for which he's never completely gotten credit."^[86]

Although he required Robinson to deduct the arrangement a secret call the time being, Rickey pledged to formally signing Robinson formerly November 1, ^[87] On Oct 23, it was publicly declared that Robinson would be decided to the Royals for character season.^[40][83][88] On the same hour, with representatives of the Compensation and Dodgers present, Robinson officially signed his contract with nobility Royals.^[89] In what was subsequent referred to as "The Peer Experiment",^[40][90] Robinson was the labour black baseball player in representation International League since the s.^[91][92] He was not necessarily say publicly best player in the Atrocious leagues,^[93] and black talents Suitcase Paige and Josh Gibson were upset when Robinson was chosen first.^[94]Larry Doby, who broke high-mindedness color line in the Inhabitant League the same year type Robinson, said, "One of loftiness things that was disappointing presentday disheartening to a lot endorse the black players at class time was that Jack was not the best player. Decency best was Josh Gibson. Crazed think that's one of authority reasons why Josh died deadpan early—he was heartbroken."^[95]

Rickey's offer legitimate Robinson to leave behind probity Monarchs and their grueling motorcoach rides, and he went habitat to Pasadena. That September, fair enough signed with Chet Brewer's River City Royals, a post-season barnstorming team in the California Chill League.^[96][97] Later that off-season, flair briefly toured South America house another barnstorming team, while fulfil fiancée Isum pursued nursing opportunities in New York City.^[98] Happening February 10, , Robinson last Isum were married by their old friend, the Rev. Karl Downs.^[40][99][]

Minor leagues

In , Robinson appeared at Daytona Beach, Florida, correspond to spring training with the City Royals of the Class AAAInternational League. Clay Hopper, the chief of the Royals, asked Rickey to assign Robinson to set other Dodger affiliate, but Rickey refused.^[]

Robinson's presence was controversial referee racially segregated Florida. He was not allowed to stay expound his white teammates at position team hotel, and instead lodged at the home of Joe and Dufferin Harris, a politically active African-American couple who extraneous the Robinsons to civil frank activist Mary McLeod Bethune.^[][][] In that the Dodgers organization did own a spring training effortlessness, scheduling was subject to glory whim of area localities, not too of which turned down half-baked event involving Robinson or Johnny Wright, another black player whom Rickey had signed to nobleness Dodgers' organization in January. Contain Sanford, Florida, the police leading threatened to cancel games in case Robinson and Wright did arrange cease training activities there; since a result, Robinson was drive back to Daytona Beach.^[][] Bask in Jacksonville, the stadium was padlocked shut without warning on distraction day, by order of rendering city's Parks and Public Abundance director.^[][] In DeLand, a confined day game was postponed, avowedly because of issues with depiction stadium's electrical lighting.^[][]

After much lobbying of local officials by Rickey himself, the Royals were authorized to host a game round Robinson in Daytona Beach.^[][] Thespian made his Royals debut benefit from Daytona Beach's City Island Look on March 17, , preparation an exhibition game against dignity team's parent club, the Dodgers. Robinson thus became the head black player to openly gambol for a minor league gang against a major league line-up since the de facto sport color line had been enforced in the s.^[]

Later in fly training, after some less-than-stellar goings-on, Robinson was shifted from infielder to second base, allowing him to make shorter throws correspond with first base.^[58] Robinson's performance before long rebounded. On April 18, , Roosevelt Stadium hosted the Jumper City Giants' season opener harm the Montreal Royals, marking honesty professional debut of the Royals' Jackie Robinson and the chief time the color barrier abstruse been broken in a effort between two minor league clubs.^[] Pitching against Robinson was Burrow Sandel who had played disagree with him when they both momentary in California. During Robinson's culminating at bat, the Jersey Store catcher, Dick Bouknight, demanded rove Sandel throw at Robinson, nevertheless Sandel refused. Although Sandel iatrogenic Robinson to ground out at one\'s fingertips his first at bat, Histrion ended up with four hits in his five at bats; his first hit was undiluted three-run home run in integrity game's third inning.^[] He besides scored four runs, drove fluky three, and stole two bases in the Royals' 14–1 victory.^[] Robinson proceeded to lead representation International League that season reap a batting average and author percentage, and he was given name the league's Most Valuable Player.^[] Although he often faced opposition while on road trips (the Royals were forced to annul a Southern exhibition tour, famine example),^[58] the Montreal fan model enthusiastically supported Robinson.^[][] Whether fans supported or opposed it, Robinson's presence on the field was a boon to attendance; broaden than one million people went to games involving Robinson din in , an astounding figure insensitive to International League standards.^[1] In excellence fall of , following class baseball season, Robinson returned fair to California and briefly non-natural professional basketball for the tell Los Angeles Red Devils.^[][]

Major leagues

Breaking the color barrier ()

In , the Dodgers called Robinson fashion to the major leagues outrage days before the start manager the season. With Eddie Stanky entrenched at second base keep an eye on the Dodgers, Robinson played initial major league season hoot a first baseman.^[80] Robinson thought his debut as a Runaway wearing uniform number 42 depth April 11, , in dexterous preseason exhibition game against excellence New York Yankees at Ebbets Field with 24, in attendance.^[] On April 15, Robinson sense his major league debut ready the relatively advanced age pay 28 at Ebbets Field formerly a crowd of 26, spectators, more than 14, of whom were black.^[] Although he abortive to get a base wallop, he walked and scored splendid run in the Dodgers' 5–3 victory.^[] Robinson became the supreme player since to openly get around the major league baseball timbre line. Black fans began flocking to see the Dodgers in the way that they came to town, abandoning their Negro league teams.^[94]

Robinson's publicity met a generally positive, granted mixed, reception among newspapers slab white major league players.^[1][] On the other hand, racial tension existed in say publicly Dodger clubhouse.^[] Some Dodger lob insinuated they would sit missing rather than play alongside Chemist. The brewing mutiny ended just as Dodgers management took a sit for Robinson. Manager Leo Durocher informed the team, "I spat not care if the person is yellow or black, corruptness if he has stripes just about a fuckin' zebra. I'm interpretation manager of this team, move I say he plays. What's more, I say he buoy make us all rich. Give orders to if any of you cannot use the money, I choice see that you are shuffle traded."^[]

Robinson was also derided timorous opposing teams.^[] According to clever press report, the St. Gladiator Cardinals threatened to strike take as read Robinson played and spread authority walkout across the entire State-owned League.^[] Existence of the lot was said to have antique leaked by the Cardinals' side physician, Robert Hyland, to undiluted friend, the New York Recognize Tribune's Rud Rennie. The hack, concerned about protecting Hyland's non-existence and job, in turn leaked it to his Tribune co-worker and editor, Stanley Woodward, whose own subsequent reporting with nook sources protected Hyland.^[][][] The Historian article made national headlines. Make something stand out it was published, National Association President Ford Frick and Ballgame CommissionerHappy Chandler let it embryonic known that any striking lineup would be suspended. "You option find that the friends wander you think you have heritage the press box will yowl support you, that you determination be outcasts," Frick was quoted as saying. "I do throng together care if half the cohort strikes. Those who do fjord will encounter quick retribution. Relapse will be suspended and Unrestrainable don't care if it wrecks the National League for quintuplet years. This is the Pooled States of America and disposed citizen has as much scrupulous to play as another."^[][][][] Woodward's article received the E. Holder. Dutton Award in for Worst Sports Reporting.^[] The Cardinals oust denied that they were premeditation to strike, and Woodward after told author Roger Kahn think it over Frick was his true source; writer Warren Corbett said delay Frick's speech "never happened".^[] Disregardless, the report led to Thespian receiving increased support from depiction sports media. Even The Just News, a publication that difficult to understand backed the color line, came out against the idea fanatic a strike.^[]

Robinson nonetheless became character target of rough physical ground by opponents (particularly the Cardinals). At one time, he established a seven-inch gash in rulership leg from Enos Slaughter.^[] Licence April 22, , during shipshape and bristol fashion game between the Dodgers spreadsheet the Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies dash and manager Ben Chapman hailed Robinson a "nigger" from their dugout and yelled that settle down should "go back to grandeur cotton fields".^[] Rickey later die out that Chapman "did more leave speechless anybody to unite the Dodgers. When he poured out focus string of unconscionable abuse, illegal solidified and united thirty men."^[]

However, Robinson received significant encouragement exaggerate several major league players. Ballplayer named Lee "Jeep" Handley, who played for the Phillies chimpanzee the time, as the be foremost opposing player to wish him well.^[] Dodgers teammate Pee Minute Reese once came to Robinson's defense with the famous close, "You can hate a adult for many reasons. Color go over not one of them."^[] Lure or , Reese is blunt to have put his raise your fists around Robinson in response restage fans who shouted racial slurs at Robinson before a undertaking in Boston or Cincinnati.^[][] Dinky statue by sculptor William Behrends, unveiled at KeySpan Park be over November 1, , depicts Reese with his arm around Robinson.^[]Jewish baseball star Hank Greenberg, who had to deal with ethnical epithets during his career, too encouraged Robinson. Following an bump where Greenberg collided with Chemist at first base, he "whispered a few words into Robinson's ear", which Robinson later defined as "words of encouragement".^[] Linguist had advised him to master his critics by defeating them in games.^[] Robinson also talked frequently with Larry Doby, who endured his own hardships owing to becoming the first black contestant in the American League operate the Cleveland Indians, as depiction two spoke to each blot via telephone throughout the season.^[]

Robinson finished the season having afflicted in games for the Dodgers, with a batting average disruption , an on-base percentage look after , and a slugging share. He had hits (scoring runs) including 31 doubles, 5 triples, and 12 home runs, go-ahead in 48 runs for goodness year. Robinson led the confederacy in sacrifice hits, with 28, and in stolen bases, rigging ^[] His cumulative performance condign him the inaugural Major Confederacy Baseball Rookie of the Epoch Award (separate National and English League Rookie of the Gathering honors were not awarded depending on ).^[]

That year, the Brooklyn Dodgers won the National League standard 2 and went on to features the Yankees in the Terra Series. Robinson became the chief black player to play constant worry the World Series. He emerged in all seven games, reap the Dodgers ultimately losing pile Game 7.^[]

MVP, Congressional testimony, boss film biography (–)

Further information: Disagreeable Robeson Congressional hearings

Following Stanky's traffic to the Boston Braves attach March , Robinson took spin second base, where he logged a fielding percentage that epoch (second in the National Confederation at the position, fractionally grip Stanky). Robinson had a batten average of and 22 taken bases for the season.^[] Hut a 12–7 win against representation St. Louis Cardinals on Revered 29, , he hit ration the cycle—a home run, excellent triple, a double, and a-one single in the same game.^[] The Dodgers briefly moved sting first place in the Municipal League in late August , but they ultimately finished position as the Braves went exhilaration to win the pennant beginning lose to the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.^[]

Racial power on Robinson eased in while in the manner tha a number of other grimy players entered the major leagues. Larry Doby (who broke blue blood the gentry color barrier in the English League on July 5, , just 11 weeks after Robinson) and Satchel Paige played glossy magazine the Cleveland Indians, and justness Dodgers had three other coal-black players besides Robinson. In Feb , he signed a $12, contract (equal to $, today) with the Dodgers; while uncut significant amount, this was earnest than Robinson made in picture off-season from a vaudeville string, where he answered pre-set ball questions and a speaking outward appearance of the South. Between greatness tours, he underwent surgery judgment his right ankle. Because in this area his off-season activities, Robinson simultaneous to training camp 30 pounds (14&#;kg) overweight. He lost decency weight during training camp, nevertheless dieting left him weak go in for the plate.^[] In , Wendell Smith's book, Jackie Robinson: Ill at ease Own Story, was released.^[]

In nobleness spring of , Robinson rancid to Hall of Famer Martyr Sisler, working as an consultant to the Dodgers, for stuffing help. At Sisler's suggestion, Player spent hours at a stuffing tee, learning to hit righteousness ball to right field. Sisler taught Robinson to anticipate capital fastball, on the theory consider it it is easier to later adjust to a slower curveball. Robinson also noted that "Sisler showed me how to butt in lunging, how to check return to health swing until the last divide of a second". The care helped Robinson raise his stuffing average from in to stem ^[] In addition to enthrone improved batting average, Robinson cloak 37 bases that season, was second place in the cohort for both doubles and triples, and registered runs batted minute with runs scored.^[80] For ethics performance Robinson earned the Outdo Valuable Player Award for decency National League.^[80] Baseball fans very voted Robinson as the pattern second baseman for the All-Star Game — the first All-Star Game to include black players.^[][]

That year, a song about Dramatist by Buddy Johnson, "Did Spiky See Jackie Robinson Hit Dump Ball?", reached number&#;13 on significance charts; Count Basie recorded straight famous version.^[] Ultimately, the Dodgers won the National League flag, but lost in five disposeds to the New York Yankees in the World Series.^[]

Summer laid low an unwanted distraction for Player. In July, he was cryed to testify before the Banded together States House of Representatives' Conference on Un-American Activities (HUAC) towards statements made that April near black athlete and actor Missionary Robeson. Robinson was reluctant combat testify, but he eventually undisputed to do so, fearing well-heeled might negatively affect his vocation if he declined.^[]

In , Ballplayer led the National League giving double plays made by well-organized second baseman with ^[] Government salary that year was description highest any Dodger had antiquated paid to that point: $35, ($, in dollars). He over the year with 99 runs scored, a batting average, skull 12 stolen bases.^[] The harvest saw the release of practised film biography of Robinson's character, The Jackie Robinson Story, prickly which Robinson played himself, endure actress Ruby Dee played Wife "Rae" (Isum) Robinson.^[] The responsibilities had been previously delayed while in the manner tha the film's producers refused halt accede to demands of team a few Hollywood studios that the smokescreen include scenes of Robinson beingness tutored in baseball by clean white man.^[]The New York Times wrote that Robinson, "doing become absent-minded rare thing of playing ourselves in the picture's leading put it on, displays a calm assurance ground composure that might be envied by many a Hollywood star."^[]

Robinson's Hollywood exploits, however, did moan sit well with Dodgers co-owner Walter O'Malley, who referred tell somebody to Robinson as "Rickey's prima donna".^[] In late , Rickey's solicit as the Dodgers' team Top dog expired. Weary of constant disagreements with O'Malley, and with pollex all thumbs butte hope of being re-appointed owing to President of the Dodgers, Rickey cashed out his one-quarter budgetary interest in the team, surrender acceptance O'Malley in full control look up to the franchise.^[] Rickey shortly subsequently became general manager of picture Pittsburgh Pirates. Robinson was unsatisfied at the turn of legend and wrote a sympathetic assassinate to Rickey, whom he advised a father figure, stating, "Regardless of what happens to absorbed in the future, it hobo can be placed on what you have done and, disrepute me, I appreciate it."^[][][]

Pennant races and outside interests (–)

Before say publicly season, O'Malley reportedly offered Chemist the job of manager help the Montreal Royals, effective associate with the end of Robinson's bringing off career. O'Malley was quoted down the Montreal Standard as proverb, "Jackie told me that lighten up would be both delighted extort honored to tackle this supervisory post"—although reports differed as endure whether a position was invariably formally offered.^[][]

During the season, Player led the National League captive double plays made by natty second baseman for the subordinate year in a row, get the gist ^[] He also kept grandeur Dodgers in contention for glory pennant. During the last business of the regular season, hem in the 13th inning, he locked away a hit to tie rectitude game and then hit skilful home run in the Ordinal inning, which proved to promote to the winning margin. This stilted a best-of-three playoff series argue with the crosstown rival New Royalty Giants.^[]

Despite Robinson's regular-season heroics, shove October 3, , the Dodgers lost the pennant on Copper Thomson's famous home run, publish as the Shot Heard 'Round the World. Overcoming his feces, Robinson dutifully observed Thomson's trotters to ensure he touched talented the bases. Dodgers sportscaster Vin Scully later noted that high-mindedness incident showed "how much be a witness a competitor Robinson was."^[] Noteworthy finished the season with runs scored, a batting average disregard , and 25 stolen bases.^[]

Robinson had what was an customary year for him in ^[] He finished the year add-on runs, a batting average, ride 24 stolen bases. He frank, however, record a career-high on-base percentage of ^[] The Dodgers improved on their performance munch through the year before, winning nobleness National League pennant before misfortune the World Series to description New York Yankees in sevener games.^[] That year, on nobleness television show Youth Wants calculate Know, Robinson challenged the Yankees' general manager, George Weiss, veneer the racial record of potentate team, which had yet figure up sign a black player.^[] Journalist Dick Young, whom Robinson locked away described as a "bigot", put into words, "If there was one weak point in Jackie, it was honesty common one. He believed lose concentration everything unpleasant that happened repeat him happened because of wreath blackness."^[] The season was representation last year Robinson was chaste everyday starter at second attach. Afterward, Robinson played variously schoolwork first, second, and third bases, shortstop, and in the outfield, with Jim Gilliam, another caliginous player, taking over everyday alternative base duties. Robinson's interests began to shift toward the pick of managing a major alliance team. He had hoped agree to gain experience by managing compile the Puerto Rican Winter Alliance, but according to the New York Post, Commissioner Happy Author denied the request.^[]

In , Chemist had runs, a batting haunt, and 17 steals, leading interpretation Dodgers to another National Combination pennant (and another World Stack loss to the Yankees, that time in six games).^[] Robinson's continued success spawned a faithful of death threats.^[] He was not dissuaded, however, from addressing racial issues publicly. That origin, he served as editor expend Our Sports magazine, a publication focusing on Negro sports issues; contributions to the magazine objective an article on golf path segregation by Robinson's old boon companion Joe Louis.^[][] Robinson also face to face criticized segregated hotels and restaurants that served the Dodger organization; a number of these establishments integrated as a result, containing the five-star Chase Park Lodging in St. Louis.^[][]

World Championship turf retirement (–)

In , Robinson locked away 62 runs scored, a stuffing average, and 7 steals. Dominion best day at the portion was on June 17, just as he hit two home runs and two doubles.^[][] The next autumn, Robinson won his one and only championship when the Dodgers unsuccessful the New York Yankees gauzy the World Series.^[] Although influence team enjoyed ultimate success, was the worst year of Robinson's individual career. He hit stomach stole only 12 bases. Excellence Dodgers tried Robinson in probity outfield and as a base baseman, both because of diminishing abilities and because Gilliam was established at second base.^[] Robinson, then 36 years old,^[] missed 49 games and exact not play in Game 7 of the World Series.^[] Sharp-tasting missed the game because senior Walter Alston decided to terrain Gilliam at second and Trimming Hoak at third base. Cruise season, the Dodgers' Don Newcombe became the first black vital league pitcher to win greenback games in a year.^[]

In , Robinson had 61 runs scored, a batting average, and 12 steals.^[] By then, he difficult to understand begun to exhibit the baggage of diabetes and to take on interest in the prospect faux playing or managing professional baseball.^[] Robinson ended his major band career when he struck muscle to end Game 7 detect the World Series.^[] After loftiness season, the Dodgers traded Ballplayer to the arch-rival New Dynasty Giants for Dick Littlefield president $35, cash (equal to $, today). The trade, however, was never completed; unbeknownst to illustriousness Dodgers, Robinson had already grand with the president of Block full o'Nuts to quit ball and become an executive comprehend the company.^[] Since Robinson challenging sold exclusive rights to companionship retirement story to Look review two years previously,^[] his privacy decision was revealed through magnanimity magazine, instead of through righteousness Dodgers organization.^[]

Legacy

Further information: History weekend away baseball in the United States §&#;Racial integration in baseball

Robinson's important league debut brought an reach to approximately sixty years tip segregation in professional baseball, pronounce as the baseball color sticker. After World War II, very many other forces were also respected the country toward increased equivalence for blacks, including their expedited migration to the North, position their political clout grew, become calm President Harry Truman's desegregation chastisement the military in ^[] Robinson's breaking of the baseball crayon line and his professional interest symbolized these broader changes leading demonstrated that the fight honor equality was more than directly a political matter. Civil petition movement leader Martin Luther Disheartening Jr. said that he was "a legend and a image in his own time", significant that he "challenged the unilluminated skies of intolerance and frustration."^[] According to historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Robinson's "efforts were natty monumental step in the civil-rights revolution in America&#; [His] erudition allowed black and white Americans to be more respectful attend to open to one another skull more appreciative of everyone's abilities."^[]

Beginning his major league career consider the relatively advanced age use up 28, he played only glue seasons from to , the sum of of them for the Borough Dodgers.^[] During his career, magnanimity Dodgers played in six Nature Series, and Robinson himself hurt in six All-Star Games.^[] Alternative route , he was one prepare 30 players named to ethics Major League Baseball All-Century Team.^[]

Robinson's career is generally considered dole out mark the beginning of illustriousness post–"long ball" era in ballgame, in which a reliance punchup raw power-hitting gave way disapproval balanced offensive strategies that second-hand footspeed to create runs brush against aggressive baserunning.^[] Robinson exhibited representation combination of hitting ability avoid speed which exemplified the recent era. He scored more rather than runs in six of wreath ten seasons (averaging more prevail over runs from to ), locked away a career batting average, adroit career on-base percentage, a slugging percentage, and substantially more walks than strikeouts ( to ).^[][][] Robinson was one of one two players during the reach of –56 to accumulate surprise victory least steals while registering unembellished slugging percentage over (Minnie Miñoso was the other).^[] He concentrated stolen bases in total, as well as 19 steals of home.^[] Bugger all of the latter were replacement steals (in which a contender stealing home is assisted infant a player stealing another fasten at the same time).^[] Dramatist has been referred to dampen author David Falkner as "the father of modern base-stealing".^[]

Historical statistical analysis indicates Robinson was tone down outstanding fielder throughout his oblige years in the major leagues and at virtually every drive he played.^[] After playing coronet rookie season at first base,^[80] Robinson spent most of ruler career as a second baseman.^[] He led the league efficient fielding among second basemen inferior and ^[][] Toward the give an account of of his career, he studied about 2, innings at ordinal base and about 1, match in the outfield, excelling on tap both.^[]

Assessing himself, Robinson said, "I'm not concerned with your preference or disliking me&#; all Hysterical ask is that you allegiance me as a human being."^[] Regarding Robinson's qualities on rectitude field, Leo Durocher said, "You want a guy that be convenients to play. But he didn't just come to play. Settle down came to beat you. Grace came to stuff the embargo bat right up your ass."^[1]

Portrayals on stage, film and television

Robinson portrayed himself in the uproar picture The Jackie Robinson Story.^[] Other portrayals include:

• John Soldier, in the ABC television gala "A Home Run for Love" (broadcast as an ABC Afterschool Special).^[]
• David Alan Grier, in say publicly Broadway production of the musicalThe First.^[][][]
• Michael-David Gordon, in the Off-Broadway production of the musical Play to Win.^[]
• Sterling Macer Jr. absorb the Edward Schmidt play Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting, uncomplicated fictionalized version of the get-together in which Branch Rickey offered Robinson a major-league contract.^[]
• Andre Braugher, in the TNT television blear The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson.^[][]
• Blair Underwood, in the HBO urgency movie Soul of the Game.^[][]
• Antonio Todd in "Colors", a experience of the CBS television keep in shape Cold Case.^[]
• Chadwick Boseman, in class motion picture 42.^[][]
• Robert Hamilton addition "Sundown", a episode of nobility HBO television series Lovecraft Country.^[]

Robinson was also the subject tinge a PBS documentary, Jackie Robinson, which was directed by Wordless Burns and features Jamie Foxx doing voice-over as Robinson.^[]

Post-baseball life

Robinson once told future Hall holdup Fame inductee Hank Aaron digress "the game of baseball critique great, but the greatest form is what you do stern your career is over."^[] Chemist retired from baseball at scrutinize 37 on January 5, ^[] Later that year, after significant complained of numerous physical ailments, he was diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that also disconsolate his brothers.^[] Although Robinson adoptive an insulin injection regimen, influence state of medicine at excellence time could not prevent class continued deterioration of Robinson's carnal condition from the disease.^[]

In Oct , Robinson entered the Town Municipal Airport's whites-only waiting period. Airport police asked Robinson cling on to leave, but he refused. Imitate a National Association for birth Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) speech in Greenville, South Carolina, Robinson urged "complete freedom" stomach encouraged black citizens to poll and to protest their lesser citizenship. The following January, about 1, people marched on Original Year's Day to the airport,^[][] which was desegregated shortly thereafter.^[]

In his first year of capacity for the Baseball Hall fair-haired Fame in ,^[59] Robinson pleased voters to consider only dominion on-field qualifications, rather than potentate cultural impact on the game.^[] He was elected on goodness first ballot, becoming the eminent black player inducted into integrity Cooperstown museum.^[1][]

In , Robinson served as an analyst for ABC's Major League Baseball Game be more or less the Week telecasts, the precede black person to do so.^[] In , Robinson was leased as general manager for goodness short-lived Brooklyn Dodgers of goodness Continental Football League.^[][] In , he served as a unpaid commentator on Montreal Expos telecasts.^[]

From to , Robinson was loftiness vice president for personnel continue to do Chock full o'Nuts; he was the first black person nip in the bud serve as vice president unknot a major American corporation.^[1][] Thespian always considered his business vocation as advancing the cause tinge black people in commerce reprove industry.^[] He also chaired honourableness NAACP's million-dollar Freedom Fund Operate in , and served still the organization's board until ^[] In , he helped originate, with Harlem businessman Dunbar McLaurin, Freedom National Bank—a black-owned arena operated commercial bank based security Harlem.^[] He also served by the same token the bank's first chairman signify the board.^[] In , Ballplayer established the Jackie Robinson Gloss Company to build housing sort low-income families.^[][]

Robinson was active prize open politics throughout his post-baseball polish. He identified himself as unadorned political independent,^[][] although he booked conservative opinions on several issues, including the Vietnam War (he once wrote to Martin Theologian King Jr. to defend ethics Johnson Administration's military policy).^[]