Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jackie Robinson

Discover the career path of Jackie Robinson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jackie Robinson was a pivotal figure in American history as the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. On April 15, 1947, he broke the color barrier by starting at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers, ending racial segregation in professional baseball that had persisted since the 1880s. His courageous act paved the way for other Black athletes and marked a significant moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1936: Tennis and Baseball Achievements

In 1936, Jackie Robinson won the junior boys singles championship in the annual Pacific Coast Negro Tennis Tournament and earned a place on the Pomona annual baseball tournament all-star team.

January 1937: Outstanding Athlete at Muir

In January 1937, the Pasadena Star-News reported that Jackie Robinson had been the outstanding athlete at Muir for two years, excelling in football, basketball, track, baseball, and tennis.

May 7, 1938: Broad Jump Record

On May 7, 1938, Jackie Robinson broke an American junior college broad-jump record at Pasadena Junior College (PJC) with a jump of 25 ft 6+1⁄2 in.

1939: Enrolls at UCLA

After graduating from PJC, in spring of 1939, Jackie Robinson enrolled at UCLA and became the school's first athlete to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track.

1939: Undefeated Season

In 1939, Jackie Robinson was one of four black players on the Bruins' football team that went undefeated with four ties at 6–0–4. Robinson finished the season with 12.2 yards per attempt on 42 carries.

1940: Left College and Took a Job

In 1940, Jackie Robinson left college just shy of graduation and took a job as an assistant athletic director with the government's National Youth Administration (NYA) in Atascadero, California.

1940: NCAA Championship

In 1940, Jackie Robinson won the NCAA championship in the long jump at 24 ft 10+1⁄4 in (7.58 m).

1940: Led NCAA

Jackie Robinson led the NCAA in punt return average in the 1939 and 1940 seasons.

December 1941: Return to California

In December 1941, after playing football for the Honolulu Bears, Jackie Robinson returned to California to pursue a career with the Los Angeles Bulldogs, but his football career was cut short by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

1942: Drafted into the Army

In 1942, Jackie Robinson was drafted into the Army and assigned to a segregated Army cavalry unit at Fort Riley, Kansas.

January 1943: Commissioned as Second Lieutenant

In January 1943, after completing OCS, Jackie Robinson was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Shortly afterward, he and Rachel Isum were formally engaged.

November 1944: Honorable Discharge

In November 1944, after serving as a coach for army athletics at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, Jackie Robinson received an honorable discharge. While there, Robinson was encouraged to contact the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League for a tryout.

1944: Athletic Director at Samuel Huston College

In 1944, Jackie Robinson returned to his old football club, the Los Angeles Bulldogs, then accepted an offer from Rev. Karl Downs to be the athletic director at Samuel Huston College, coaching the school's basketball team for the 1944-45 season.

August 28, 1945: Rickey's Interview with Robinson

On August 28, 1945, Branch Rickey interviewed Jackie Robinson for a potential spot on the Brooklyn Dodgers' farm team, the Montreal Royals. Rickey questioned Robinson about his ability to withstand racial abuse without reacting angrily, concerned about Robinson's past altercations with law enforcement. After a three-hour discussion, Robinson committed to "turn the other cheek" to racial antagonism, leading Rickey to offer him a contract for $600 per month.

November 1, 1945: Rickey commits to signing Robinson

Before November 1, 1945, Branch Rickey committed to formally signing Jackie Robinson. This arrangement was kept secret for the time being.

1945: Plays for Kansas City Monarchs

In early 1945, Jackie Robinson accepted an offer to play professional baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro leagues for $400 per month. He played 47 games at shortstop, hitting .387 with five home runs and 13 stolen bases.

March 17, 1946: Robinson's Royals Debut

On March 17, 1946, Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Montreal Royals at Daytona Beach's City Island Ballpark in an exhibition game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. This marked him as the first black player to openly play for a minor league team against a major league team since the implementation of the baseball color line in the 1880s.

April 18, 1946: Robinson's professional debut

On April 18, 1946, Jackie Robinson made his professional debut for the Montreal Royals against the Jersey City Giants at Roosevelt Stadium. He had four hits in five at bats, including a three-run home run, scored four runs, drove in three, and stole two bases, marking the first time the color barrier was broken in a game between two minor league clubs.

1946: Spring Training with Montreal Royals

In 1946, Jackie Robinson arrived at Daytona Beach, Florida, for spring training with the Montreal Royals. The manager of the Royals, Clay Hopper, requested that Branch Rickey assign Robinson to another Dodgers affiliate, but Rickey declined.

1946: Robinson plays for the Montreal Royals

In 1946, Jackie Robinson played for the Montreal Royals. It was a positive experience in contrast to the racial bias in the South.

April 11, 1947: Preseason Exhibition Game Debut

On April 11, 1947, Jackie Robinson made his debut as a Dodger in a preseason exhibition game against the New York Yankees at Ebbets Field.

April 15, 1947: Robinson Breaks the Color Barrier

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball and ending racial segregation in professional baseball.

July 5, 1947: Doby breaks AL color barrier

On July 5, 1947, Larry Doby broke the color barrier in the American League, just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson did in the National League.

1947: World Series Appearance

In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first black player to play in the World Series as the Brooklyn Dodgers faced the New York Yankees. The Dodgers lost in Game 7.

1947: Major League Rookie of the Year Award

In 1947, Jackie Robinson wins the Major League Rookie of the Year Award, encompassing both leagues. This award was later renamed to the "Jackie Robinson Award" in 1987.

1947: Rookie of the Year Award

In 1947, Jackie Robinson won the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award, marking the beginning of his celebrated career in Major League Baseball.

1947: Start of Major League Career

Jackie Robinson began his major league career in 1947 at the age of 28, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

1947: Beginning of post-long ball era

Jackie Robinson's career is considered to mark the beginning of the post–"long ball" era in baseball, in which reliance on power-hitting gave way to balanced offensive strategies. From 1947 to 1953, Robinson averaged more than 110 runs.

1947: Rookie Season

Jackie Robinson's rookie season ended in 1947.

February 1948: Robinson signs contract with Dodgers

In February 1948, Jackie Robinson signed a $12,500 contract with the Dodgers. He also underwent surgery on his right ankle.

March 1948: Robinson takes over second base

Following Eddie Stanky's trade in March 1948, Jackie Robinson took over second base for the Dodgers.

August 1948: Dodgers briefly in first place

In late August 1948, the Dodgers moved briefly into first place in the National League.

August 29, 1948: Hitting for the cycle

On August 29, 1948, Jackie Robinson hit for the cycle in a 12–7 win against the St. Louis Cardinals, achieving a home run, a triple, a double, and a single in the same game.

1948: Robinson's batting average

In 1948, Jackie Robinson had a .296 batting average before seeking the help of George Sisler.

1949: Batting Help from George Sisler and MVP Award

In 1949, Jackie Robinson sought batting advice from Hall of Famer George Sisler, leading to significant improvements in his hitting. He raised his batting average to .342, stole 37 bases, and achieved high rankings in doubles and triples. His outstanding performance led to him winning the Most Valuable Player Award for the National League, and he was voted as the starting second baseman for the 1949 All-Star Game.

1949: National League Most Valuable Player Award

In 1949, Jackie Robinson was honored with the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the first Black player to receive this recognition.

1950: Leads National League in Double Plays

In 1950, Jackie Robinson led the National League in double plays made by a second baseman with 133. His salary that year was the highest any Dodger had been paid to that point: $35,000. He finished the year with 99 runs scored, a .328 batting average, and 12 stolen bases.

1950: Leads League in Fielding

In 1950, Jackie Robinson led the league in fielding among second basemen.

1950: Acting in "The Jackie Robinson Story"

In 1950, Jackie Robinson portrayed himself in the motion picture "The Jackie Robinson Story."

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October 3, 1951: Dodgers lose pennant to Giants

On October 3, 1951, the Dodgers lost the pennant to the New York Giants on Bobby Thomson's famous home run. Jackie Robinson observed Thomson's feet to ensure he touched all the bases, demonstrating his competitive spirit. He finished the 1951 season with 106 runs scored, a .335 batting average, and 25 stolen bases.

1951: Leads National League in double plays

During the 1951 season, Jackie Robinson led the National League in double plays made by a second baseman for the second year in a row, with 137. He also kept the Dodgers in contention for the 1951 pennant, hitting a game-tying hit in the 13th inning of the last game of the regular season and then a game-winning home run in the 14th inning.

1951: Leads League in Fielding

In 1951, Jackie Robinson led the league in fielding among second basemen.

1951: Rumored managerial job offer

Reportedly, before the 1951 season, Walter O'Malley offered Jackie Robinson the job of manager of the Montreal Royals at the end of Robinson's playing career, although there are conflicting reports as to whether the position was ever formally offered.

1952: Challenging racial record

In 1952, Jackie Robinson had a solid year, finishing with 104 runs, a .308 batting average, and 24 stolen bases. During this year, on the television show Youth Wants to Know, Robinson challenged the Yankees' general manager, George Weiss, on the racial record of his team. The 1952 season was the last year Robinson was an everyday starter at second base.

1953: Success, threats, and racial advocacy

In 1953, Jackie Robinson had 109 runs, a .329 batting average, and 17 steals, which led the Dodgers to another National League pennant. Despite facing death threats, Robinson addressed racial issues publicly, including serving as editor for Our Sports magazine and criticizing segregated hotels and restaurants.

1953: Robinson's Runs

Jackie Robinson scored more than 100 runs from 1947 to 1953.

1954: All-Star Season

From 1949 through 1954, Jackie Robinson was an All-Star for six consecutive seasons, showcasing his consistent excellence in baseball.

1954: Home runs and doubles

In 1954, Jackie Robinson had 62 runs scored, a .311 batting average, and 7 steals. On June 17th, Jackie Robinson hit two home runs and two doubles.

1955: World Series Championship

In 1955, Jackie Robinson contributed to the Brooklyn Dodgers' World Series championship, marking a pinnacle in his baseball career.

1955: Dodgers win the World Series

In 1955, the Dodgers won the World Series against the New York Yankees, marking Robinson's only championship. However, 1955 was the worst year of Robinson's individual career. He hit .256 and stole only 12 bases.

1956: Final season and trade to Giants

In 1956, Jackie Robinson had 61 runs scored, a .275 batting average, and 12 steals. He began experiencing the effects of diabetes and lost interest in playing baseball. After the season, the Dodgers traded Robinson to the New York Giants, but the trade was never completed as Robinson had already agreed to become an executive with Chock full o'Nuts.

1956: End of Major League Career

Jackie Robinson's major league career ended in 1956. He played a total of ten seasons, all with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

January 5, 1957: Retirement from baseball

Jackie Robinson retired from baseball at age 37 on January 5, 1957. Later that year, he was diagnosed with diabetes.

1957: Vice President at Chock full o'Nuts and NAACP Freedom Fund Drive Chair

In 1957, Jackie Robinson became the vice president for personnel at Chock full o'Nuts and also chaired the NAACP's million-dollar Freedom Fund Drive.

October 1959: Robinson Protests Segregation at Greenville Airport

In October 1959, Jackie Robinson protested segregation by entering the whites-only waiting room at Greenville Municipal Airport, refusing to leave when asked. He then gave a speech in Greenville, South Carolina, urging black citizens to vote and protest their second-class citizenship.

1962: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, solidifying his place among baseball's legends.

1962: Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1962, during his first year of eligibility, Jackie Robinson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first Black American player inducted into the Cooperstown museum. He encouraged voters to consider only his on-field qualifications.

1964: Co-founded Freedom National Bank

In 1964, Jackie Robinson co-founded Freedom National Bank, a Black-owned and operated commercial bank in Harlem, with Dunbar McLaurin, and served as the bank's first chairman of the board.

1965: Analyst for ABC's Major League Baseball Game of the Week

In 1965, Jackie Robinson became the first Black American to serve as an analyst for ABC's Major League Baseball Game of the Week telecasts.

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1966: Special Assistant for Community Affairs

In 1966, Jackie Robinson became a special assistant for community affairs when Nelson Rockefeller was re-elected governor of New York.

1966: General Manager for Brooklyn Dodgers

In 1966, Jackie Robinson was hired as general manager for the short-lived Brooklyn Dodgers of the Continental Football League.

1967: Service on the NAACP's Board Ends

In 1967, Jackie Robinson's service on the NAACP's board ended, after being on the board since 1957.

1969: Declined Invitation to Old-Timers' Game

In 1969, Jackie Robinson protested against the major leagues' lack of minority managers and central office personnel, and he turned down an invitation to appear in an old-timers' game at Yankee Stadium.

1970: Established Jackie Robinson Construction Company

In 1970, Jackie Robinson established the Jackie Robinson Construction Company to build housing for low-income families.

1971: Appointed to New York State Athletic Commission

In 1971, Jackie Robinson was appointed to the New York State Athletic Commission by Nelson Rockefeller.

October 15, 1972: Final Public Appearance at World Series

On October 15, 1972, nine days before his death, Jackie Robinson made his final public appearance at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, throwing the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the World Series. He accepted a plaque honoring the twenty-fifth anniversary of his MLB debut, advocating for black managers in baseball.

1972: Commentator on Montreal Expos Telecasts

In 1972, Jackie Robinson served as a part-time commentator on Montreal Expos telecasts.

2011: Plaque placed at Robinson's Montreal home

In 2011, the U.S. placed a plaque at Jackie Robinson's Montreal home to honor the ending of segregation in baseball.

2022: Robinson's Record

As of 2022, Jackie Robinson's record of 12.2 yards per attempt on 42 carries remains the school football record for the highest rushing yards per carry in a season