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
May 14 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 - 37 - 7 May 14, 1913 - Washington Senator pitcher Walter Johnson, had his amazing MLB record of scoreless innings str...
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May 13 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. 22 - 21 May 13, 1942 - Who says pitchers can't hit? Boston Braves Pitcher, Number 22, Jim Tobin smacked 3 ball...
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May 12 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. 27 - 17 - 14 May 12, 1910 - Ace pitcher and future Hall of Fame player of the Philadelphia Athletics, Charles Bender thr...
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May 11 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. May 11, 1897 - Washington Senators catcher Charles Duke Farrell threw out 8 Baltimore runners that attempted to steal a b...
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May 10 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. 5 - 44 - 4 - 7 - 6 - 8 - 23 - 44 - 15 - 9 May 10, 1946 - Joe DiMaggio hit a Grand Slam to provide all of the offense for the ...
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May 9 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 - 5 -19 May 9, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's rookie pitcher, Earl Moore threw a no-hit ballgame for a full nine innings...
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