Challenges in the Life of Jackie Robinson in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Jackie Robinson faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Jackie Robinson was an American professional baseball player who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier on April 15, 1947, when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His signing ended racial segregation in professional baseball, which had excluded Black players since the 1880s, relegating them to the Negro leagues. Robinson's courage and exceptional talent paved the way for greater racial equality in sports and beyond.

Sections (6)

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

January 25, 1938: Arrest at PJC

On January 25, 1938, Jackie Robinson was arrested after disputing the detention of a black friend by police at Pasadena Junior College. He received a two-year suspended sentence.

July 1941: Army OCS Guidelines

In July 1941, the Army's initial guidelines for Officer Candidate School (OCS) were drafted as race-neutral, but few black applicants were admitted until subsequent directives by Army leadership.

July 6, 1944: Bus Incident

On July 6, 1944, Jackie Robinson was taken into custody by military police after refusing to move to the back of an Army bus when ordered by the driver.

August 28, 1945: Branch Rickey Interviews Jackie Robinson

On August 28, 1945, Branch Rickey interviewed Jackie Robinson to assess his ability to withstand racial abuse without reacting angrily, a concern stemming from Robinson's previous confrontations with law enforcement. Rickey sought a player with the strength to "turn the other cheek" to racial antagonism, leading to a commitment from Robinson.

1946: Robinson Arrives at Spring Training with the Montreal Royals

In 1946, Jackie Robinson arrived at Daytona Beach, Florida, for spring training with the Montreal Royals of the Class AAA International League, despite the Royals' manager Clay Hopper's request for him to be assigned elsewhere.

April 22, 1947: Racial Abuse from Phillies Players

On April 22, 1947, during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies players and manager Ben Chapman directed racial slurs at Jackie Robinson from their dugout, uniting the Dodgers in their support for him.

1947: Threat of Strike by St. Louis Cardinals

In 1947, there was a threat that the St. Louis Cardinals would strike if Jackie Robinson played, attempting to spread the walkout across the National League. The strike did not occur after the National League President and Baseball Commissioner threatened to suspend any players who participated, leading to increased support for Robinson from the sports media.

1949: Testimony Before HUAC

In July 1949, Jackie Robinson was called to testify before the United States House of Representatives' Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) regarding statements made by Paul Robeson. He reluctantly agreed to testify to avoid potential negative impacts on his career.

1952: Challenging Racial Record

In 1952, Jackie Robinson finished the year with 104 runs, a .308 batting average, and 24 stolen bases. He recorded a career-high on-base percentage of .436. The Dodgers won the National League pennant before losing the 1952 World Series to the New York Yankees in seven games. On the television show Youth Wants to Know, Robinson challenged the Yankees' general manager, George Weiss, on the racial record of his team.

1953: Death Threats and Racial Advocacy

In 1953, Jackie Robinson had 109 runs, a .329 batting average, and 17 steals, leading the Dodgers to another National League pennant. He also served as editor for Our Sports magazine and criticized segregated establishments, leading to integration in some places. However, Robinson's continued success spawned a string of death threats.

1955: World Series Victory and Declining Performance

In 1955, the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series, marking Jackie Robinson's only championship. However, 1955 was the worst year of Robinson's individual career, hitting .256 and stealing only 12 bases, and he did not play in Game 7 of the World Series.

October 1959: Robinson Protests Segregation at Greenville Airport

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

1969: Turns Down Invitation to Old-Timers' Game

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