Jackie Robinson is widely recognized as the athlete who broke Major League Baseball color barriers. Many readers want to know when Jackie Robinson born so they can connect his legacy to specific historic moments.
His birth date anchors a broader story of civil progress in sports and society. Understanding when Jackie Robinson born helps contextualize his impact on race, athletics, and American culture.
Biographical Profile of Jackie Robinson
| Full Name | Jackie Robinson | Birth Date | January 31, 1919 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Cairo, Georgia, United States | Died | October 24, 1972 |
| Primary Role | Professional Baseball Player | Debut | April 15, 1947 (Brooklyn Dodgers) |
| Key Achievement | First Black player in MLB in the modern era | Number Retired | 42 across all MLB teams (1997) |
Childhood and Family Background
Jackie Robinson was born into a family of sharecroppers in Georgia. After his father left early, his mother moved the family to Pasadena, California, seeking better opportunities.
Growing up in a multiracial, working-class environment shaped his awareness of injustice and fueled his determination to excel under pressure. These early conditions influenced the resilience he later displayed on the baseball field.
Military Service and Early Activism
Before entering professional sports, Jackie Robinson served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He faced racial segregation in the military and was court-martialed for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus.
His acquittal and continued advocacy laid the groundwork for his role in breaking baseball’s color line. This period clarified his commitment to using his platform against racial discrimination.
Breaking Baseball’s Color Line
From Negro Leagues to MLB
Robinson played in the Negro Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs before Branch Rickey signed him to the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. His minor league seasons prepared him for the intense scrutiny he would face in the majors.
1947 Season and Rookie of the Year
In 1947, when Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers, he won the National League Rookie of the Year award amid relentless hostility. His performance redefined talent and courage in professional sports.
Civil Rights Impact Beyond the Diamond
After retiring from baseball, Jackie Robinson became a vocal advocate for civil rights, supporting Martin Luther King Jr. and speaking out against inequality. He criticized politicians who ignored racial injustice and pushed for economic opportunities for Black Americans.
His post-baseball activism showed that his influence extended far beyond the timeline of when Jackie Robinson born, shaping public discourse on race for decades.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
Jackie Robinson remains a benchmark for courage and excellence in sports and beyond. Commemorations of his birth and career continue to educate new generations about the cost of progress.
By examining when Jackie Robinson born and how he lived, readers gain a clearer picture of how individual action can transform institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia.
- His military service and early activism prepared him for the challenges of desegregating baseball.
- Debuting at age 27 in 1947, he changed the trajectory of Major League Baseball and civil rights.
- His number 42 was retired league-wide in 1997, symbolizing lasting respect and recognition.
- Understanding his birth date and life timeline helps contextualize ongoing conversations about race and sports.
FAQ
Reader questions
What year was Jackie Robinson born, and why does it matter?
Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919. This date matters because it situates his achievements within the long history of racial segregation and the gradual, contested expansion of civil rights in the United States.
How old was Jackie Robinson when he broke the color barrier in baseball?
He was 27 years old when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, making his age at that milestone a key detail for understanding the physical and mental demands he faced.
Did Jackie Robinson’s birth year coincide with other landmark events for civil rights?
Born in 1919, he came of age during the Red Summer, the Harlem Renaissance, and the push for the 19th Amendment, all of which shaped the social landscape he would later challenge through his activism.
When was Jackie Robinson’s number 42 retired across all of Major League Baseball?
MLB retired his number 42 universally in 1997, ensuring that no future player in any team would wear the number again as a tribute to his enduring impact.