Born January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, was Baseball Hall of Fame Infielder Jackie Robinson. This legend broke baseball's color barrier but was also an outstanding player. A seven-time All-Star, League MVP, won a batting title, was on the 1955 World Series Champion Dodgers, and won Rookie of the Year honors. Robinson spent his entire MLB career as a Brooklyn Dodger.
Sports History
Jackie Robinson Trailblazer and Baseball HOF StarJackie Robinson's Legacy of Milestones
On the Diamond:
-Rookie of the Year (1947): Facing unimaginable pressure and relentless racism, Robinson's stellar batting average, stolen bases, and electrifying play earned him the league's first Rookie of the Year award, proving his doubters wrong.
-MVP Award (1949): Just two years later, Robinson silenced remaining critics with a dominant season, batting .342 and stealing 37 bases, securing the National League's Most Valuable Player award.
-World Series Champion (1955): After enduring years of discrimination and personal attacks, Robinson finally tasted championship glory with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955. His World Series victory resonated far beyond the field, symbolizing a turning point in American society.
-Hall of Fame Induction (1962): Five years after retirement, Robinson became the first Black player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a baseball legend and national icon.
Beyond the Game:
-Activist and Voice for Change: Robinson leveraged his platform to fight for social justice, speaking out against segregation and advocating for equal rights for all Americans. He tirelessly pursued civil rights activism, leaving a lasting impact beyond the baseball field.
-Businessman and Entrepreneur: Recognizing the importance of economic empowerment, Robinson co-founded a construction company, becoming a role model for Black entrepreneurs and demonstrating the power of financial independence.
-Presidential Medal of Freedom (1984): Awarded posthumously, this prestigious honor recognized Robinson's contributions to baseball and American society, solidifying his legacy as a national hero.
This Day in Baseball May 12
April 28 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 20 - 21 - 1 April 28, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's pitcher Bock Baker had a really bad day on the mound. The left hander gave&...
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Athletes have been using their positions and public stature to stand up for political and social justice beliefs quite a bit recently. Perhaps the era of the most frequency took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Author and historian Dr. Gregory J. Kaliss joins us to discuss this his...
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April 27 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 4 - 5 - 32 - 12 - 11 - 30 April 27, 1926 - Mel Ott, who during his career wore Numbers 3, 4 and 5 (but not until 19...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
April 26 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 53 - 34 - 24 - 53 April 26, 1905 - Chicago Cubs left fielder, Jack McCarthy becomes only major league player to throw out...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!
April 25 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 2 - 14 - 1 - 18 - 34 April 25, 1901 - Erve Beck of the Cleveland Blues hit the American League's first home run. Ap...
April 24 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 2 - 32 - 27 - 13 - 14 - 6 April 24, 1917 - New York Yankees left-hander George Mogridge, tossed a no-hit win against the...
- The use of a "banner" counts as 10 words!