Jackie Robinson was more than just a baseball player; he was a pioneer who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB) and became an enduring symbol of progress and integration. His journey was filled with significant events that not only impacted the sport but also the civil rights movement in America. Let's dive into a comprehensive timeline worksheet that highlights the key milestones in Jackie Robinson's life and career.
Early Life
- January 31, 1919: Jackie Robinson is born in Cairo, Georgia, to a family of sharecroppers.
- 1935: His family moves to Pasadena, California, where he excels in multiple sports at John Muir High School.
College and Military Years
- 1939-1941: Plays football, basketball, baseball, and runs track at Pasadena Junior College, receiving multiple honors.
- 1941: Transfers to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), becoming the first athlete at UCLA to win varsity letters in four sports.
- 1942: Leaves college to join the U.S. Army. Although trained as an officer, his military service is fraught with racial tension.
The Path to Integration
- April 1945: Discharged from the army, Robinson returns to civilian life.
- 1945: Joins the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League.
- October 23, 1945: Signs a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in the Major Leagues since the 1880s.
- April 15, 1947: Breaks the color barrier when he starts at first base for the Dodgers against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field.
His MLB Career
- 1947: Named Rookie of the Year, batting .297, and leading the Dodgers to the National League pennant.
- 1949: Leads the league in batting average at .342, steals home 19 times, and helps the Dodgers win the World Series.
- 1951: Wins the National League MVP Award.
- 1952: Wins the first annual BBWAA Baseball Player of the Year Award.
- 1955: The Dodgers finally win the World Series; Robinson is awarded his second MVP.
- 1956: Retires after 10 seasons in the majors, with a lifetime batting average of .311.
Civil Rights and Post-Playing Career
- 1949: Becomes involved in various civil rights causes, including organizing community efforts to support integration and fight racial discrimination.
- 1952: Becomes vice president of the Chock Full o’Nuts restaurant chain.
- 1962: Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the first player to be honored on the first ballot since the inaugural class in 1936.
- 1963: Co-founds the Freedom National Bank in Harlem, aimed at serving the African American community.
- 1964: Appointed as the Special Assistant for Community Affairs by New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller.
Legacy
- 1972: The Dodgers retire Robinson’s uniform number 42.
- April 15, 1997: Major League Baseball retires Jackie Robinson’s number 42 across all teams, allowing players who had it to keep it, in a historic gesture of respect.
- 2004: The library at Jackie Robinson’s alma mater, Pasadena City College, is named in his honor.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Breaks color barrier in MLB |
| 1949 | Wins batting title and leads Dodgers to World Series win |
| 1951 | MVP Award |
| 1952 | Player of the Year Award |
| 1955 | Dodgers win the World Series; Robinson awarded MVP |
| 1956 | Retires from baseball |
| 1997 | MLB retires #42 across all teams |
🏛️ Note: Jackie Robinson's legacy extends far beyond baseball; his courage and advocacy set the stage for the civil rights movement, inspiring generations to fight for equality and justice.
Jackie Robinson’s life was not only a tale of athletic prowess but a journey of enduring courage, breaking down barriers, and opening doors for future generations. His story continues to resonate, teaching us about the power of perseverance and the importance of diversity and inclusion. By commemorating his accomplishments, we honor not only his contributions to sports but also his pivotal role in America's quest for racial equality.
Why was Jackie Robinson’s debut in the MLB significant?
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Jackie Robinson’s debut on April 15, 1947, was a historic moment as it marked the end of segregation in professional baseball, symbolizing hope and progress in the fight for civil rights.
What was Jackie Robinson’s impact on civil rights?
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Robinson was a key figure in advancing the civil rights movement by breaking down barriers in sports, advocating for desegregation, and demonstrating that African Americans could compete at the highest levels of any field.
How did Jackie Robinson change baseball?
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Jackie Robinson’s entry into MLB changed baseball by integrating the sport, which had been segregated since the late 19th century. His presence inspired many and proved that diversity enhances the sport.
