In 1947, Mr. Jackie Robinson engineered the integration of professional sports in America by breaking the color barrier in baseball.
He overcame numerous obstacles in his 10 year career when many white people believed that African Americans and whites should be kept apart in many aspects of life, including sports. Despite this obstacle, Robinson went on to have an exceptional baseball career.
His enormous talent helped lead the Brooklyn Dodgers to six pennants and one World Series Championship. Robinson totaled 19 steals during his baseball career. The ultimate honor was bestowed when Jackie was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility.
However, Jackie Robinson's contributions go far beyond the baseball diamond. Upon retirement from baseball, Jackie fought tirelessly to improve the quality of life not only for African Americans, but for society as a whole.
By becoming the first African American vice president of a major American corporation, Robinson continued to open doors for African Americans, in the world of sports, and beyond.
Thank you, #43!
Learn about this legend at www.jackierobinson.com
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