Jack Roosevelt Robinson was an American professional baseball player notable for being the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. He broke the color barrier by starting at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. This historic event marked the beginning of the end for racial segregation in professional baseball, which had confined black players to the Negro leagues since the 1880s. Robinson's significant contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
January 31, 1919: Birth of Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. He was the youngest of five children in a family of sharecroppers. His middle name honored former President Theodore Roosevelt, who died shortly before Robinson's birth.
1920: Family Moves to California
In 1920, after Jackie Robinson's father left the family, they moved from Georgia to Pasadena, California. This relocation marked the beginning of Robinson's journey in a new environment.
1922: Birth of Rachel Isum
Rachel Isum, Jackie Robinson's future wife, was born in 1922. She would later become a significant part of Robinson's life and career.
1935: Graduation from Junior High School
In 1935, Jackie Robinson graduated from Washington Junior High School and enrolled at John Muir Technical High School. His older brothers, Frank and Mack, inspired him to pursue sports.
1936: Winning Tennis Championship
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.
1936: Inspired by Brother's Olympic Success
In 1936, Jackie's brother Mack won a silver medal at the Berlin Olympics. This achievement inspired Jackie to pursue his own athletic career, marking a significant moment in his life.
January 25, 1938: Arrest for Defending a Friend
On January 25, 1938, Jackie Robinson was arrested after disputing the detention of a black friend by police. He received a two-year suspended sentence, marking an early instance of his resistance to racial injustice.
May 7, 1938: Breaking Broad-Jump Record
On May 7, 1938, Jackie Robinson broke an American junior college broad-jump record with a jump of 25 feet 6 1/2 inches. This achievement highlighted his exceptional athletic ability.
1939: UCLA Football Team Integration
In 1939, Jackie Robinson was one of four black players on the UCLA Bruins football team, making it the most integrated college football team at the time. Robinson finished the season with a record 12.2 yards per attempt on 42 carries.
1939: Enrollment at UCLA
In 1939, after graduating from Pasadena Junior College, Jackie Robinson enrolled at UCLA. He became the first athlete at the university to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track.
1940: Leaving UCLA and NYA Job
In 1940, Jackie Robinson left UCLA just shy of graduation and took a job as an assistant athletic director with the National Youth Administration (NYA) in Atascadero, California.
1940: Long Jump Championship
In 1940, Jackie Robinson won the NCAA championship in the long jump, achieving a distance of 24 feet 10 1/4 inches.
1940: NCAA Punt Return Leader
In the 1940 season, Jackie Robinson led the NCAA in punt return average, showcasing his exceptional versatility and athleticism.
July 1941: Race-Neutral OCS Guidelines
In July 1941, the Army drafted race-neutral guidelines for Officer Candidate School, but few black applicants were admitted until subsequent directives by Army leadership.
December 1941: Return from Honolulu and Pearl Harbor
In December 1941, Jackie Robinson returned from playing football in Honolulu to pursue a career with the Los Angeles Bulldogs. However, his football career ended due to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which drew the United States into World War II.
1942: Drafted into Segregated Army Unit
In 1942, Jackie Robinson was drafted and assigned to a segregated Army cavalry unit at Fort Riley, Kansas. Along with other black soldiers, he applied for Officer Candidate School.
January 1943: Commissioned as Second Lieutenant
In January 1943, after completing Officer Candidate School, Jackie Robinson was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. Shortly afterward, Robinson and Rachel Isum got formally engaged.
July 6, 1944: Bus Incident and Arrest
On July 6, 1944, Jackie Robinson was taken into custody by military police after refusing to move to the back of an Army bus, despite it being unsegregated. The incident led to Robinson being recommended for court-martial.
August 1944: Court-Martial and Acquittal
In August 1944, Jackie Robinson was acquitted of charges of insubordination during questioning by an all-white panel of nine officers, following a court-martial.
November 1944: Honorable Discharge and Kansas City Monarchs
In November 1944, after his acquittal, Jackie Robinson received an honorable discharge from the Army. He was encouraged to write to the Kansas City Monarchs for a tryout.
1944: Athletic Director at Samuel Huston College
In 1944, after his military discharge, Jackie Robinson became the athletic director at Samuel Huston College in Austin, coaching the fledgling basketball team for the 1944-45 season.
August 28, 1945: Branch Rickey Interviews Robinson
On August 28, 1945, Branch Rickey interviewed Jackie Robinson for a possible assignment to the Brooklyn Dodgers' farm club. Robinson committed to "turn the other cheek" to racial antagonism, leading Rickey to agree to sign him to a contract.
November 1, 1945: Robinson Assigned to Royals
On November 1, 1945, it was announced that Jackie Robinson would be assigned to the Montreal Royals for the 1946 season. He formally signed his contract with the Royals on the same day, becoming the first black baseball player in the International League since the 1880s.
1945: Playing for Kansas City Monarchs
In early 1945, Jackie Robinson signed a contract with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues. Although he played well, hitting .387 with five home runs, he was frustrated with the disorganization and gambling interests in the league.
February 10, 1946: Jackie Robinson Marries Rachel Isum
On February 10, 1946, Jackie Robinson married his fiancée Rachel Isum. The ceremony was officiated by their old friend, the Rev. Karl Downs.
March 17, 1946: Robinson Debuts with Royals
On March 17, 1946, Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Montreal Royals in an exhibition game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Daytona Beach. He became the first black player to openly play for a minor league team against a major league team since the 1880s.
April 18, 1946: Jackie Robinson's Professional Debut with the Montreal Royals
On April 18, 1946, Roosevelt Stadium hosted the Jersey City Giants' season opener against the Montreal Royals, marking the professional debut of Jackie Robinson. Robinson broke the color barrier in a game between two minor league clubs. He achieved four hits in five at-bats, including a three-run home run, and contributed significantly to the Royals' 14–1 victory. His performance led the International League that season, and he was named the league's Most Valuable Player.
1946: Jackie Robinson's Residence in Montreal
In 1946, Jackie Robinson lived at 8232 Avenue de Gaspé near Jarry Park in Montreal while playing for the Montreal Royals. This period marked a significant step in ending segregation in baseball.
1946: Birth of Jackie Robinson Jr.
In 1946, Jackie Robinson Jr. was born to Jackie and Rachel Robinson.
April 11, 1947: Preseason Exhibition Game Against the New York Yankees
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, wearing uniform number 42. This game marked his first appearance in a Dodgers uniform, attracting 24,237 attendees, and set the stage for his major league debut.
April 15, 1947: Breaking the Color Line in MLB
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. This event marked the end of racial segregation in professional baseball.
April 15, 1947: Jackie Robinson's Major League Debut
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made his major league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field before a crowd of 26,623 spectators. Despite not getting a base hit, he walked and scored a run in the Dodgers' 5–3 victory, becoming the first player since 1884 to openly break the major league baseball color line.
April 22, 1947: Racial Abuse During a Game Against the Philadelphia Phillies
On April 22, 1947, during a game between the Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies, Jackie Robinson faced severe racial abuse from Phillies players and manager Ben Chapman. They called Robinson derogatory names and yelled offensive remarks, which later helped unite the Dodgers team.
July 5, 1947: Larry Doby Breaks AL Color Barrier
On July 5, 1947, Larry Doby broke the color barrier in the American League, joining the Cleveland Indians just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson joined the Dodgers.
1947: First Black Player in World Series
In 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers won the National League pennant and faced the Yankees in the World Series. Jackie Robinson became the first black player to participate in the World Series, appearing in all seven games. The Dodgers lost in Game 7.
1947: Winning Rookie of the Year Award
In 1947, during his debut year in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson won the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award, highlighting his exceptional talent and impact.
1947: Jackie Robinson's Rookie Season Ends
In 1947, Jackie Robinson completed his rookie season, a groundbreaking year that marked the beginning of his Major League Baseball career and the end of racial segregation in the sport.
1947: Beginning of a New Baseball Era
In 1947, Jackie Robinson's debut marked the start of the post-'long ball' era in baseball, characterized by a shift from power-hitting to balanced offensive strategies, including aggressive baserunning.
1947: Jackie Robinson's Major League Debut
In 1947, Jackie Robinson made his major league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, ending around sixty years of racial segregation in professional baseball and beginning his historic career.
1947: Major League Rookie of the Year
In 1947, Jackie Robinson won the Major League Rookie of the Year Award, encompassing both the National and American Leagues. This honor marked the beginning of his transformative career in baseball.
February 1948: Signs $12,500 Contract with Dodgers
In February 1948, Jackie Robinson signed a $12,500 contract with the Dodgers. Although significant, it was less than his off-season earnings from a vaudeville tour and speaking engagements.
March 1948: Takes Over Second Base
In March 1948, following Stanky's trade to the Boston Braves, Jackie Robinson took over second base for the Dodgers, logging a .980 fielding percentage that year.
August 1948: Briefly Leads League
In late August 1948, the Dodgers briefly moved into first place in the National League thanks to Robinson's efforts, although they ultimately finished third.
August 29, 1948: Robinson Hits 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, triple, double, and single in the same game.
1948: Training with George Sisler
In 1948, Jackie Robinson trained with Hall of Famer George Sisler, who helped him improve his batting technique, which was crucial for his 1949 performance.
1948: President Truman Desegregates the Military
In 1948, President Harry Truman desegregated the military, marking a significant step towards racial equality in the United States. This decision, along with Jackie Robinson's breaking of the baseball color line, symbolized the broader fight for civil rights during this period.
1949: Jackie Robinson Wins Rookie of the Year Award
In 1949, Jackie Robinson completed a stellar season, playing 151 games for the Dodgers with a batting average of .297, an on-base percentage of .383, and a .427 slugging percentage. He led the league in sacrifice hits and stolen bases. His performance earned him the inaugural Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award.
1949: Winning National League MVP Award
In 1949, Jackie Robinson won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the first black player to receive this honor.
1949: "Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?" Released
In 1949, the song "Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?" by Buddy Johnson reached number 13 on the charts. The Dodgers won the National League pennant but lost the World Series to the Yankees.
1949: Robinson Wins MVP and All-Star Honors
In 1949, under the tutelage of George Sisler, Jackie Robinson improved his batting average to .342 and stole 37 bases. He was voted the starting second baseman for the All-Star Game and won the National League MVP Award.
1949: Testifies Before HUAC
In July 1949, Jackie Robinson was called to testify before the United States House of Representatives' Committee on Un-American Activities regarding statements by Paul Robeson. Robinson reluctantly agreed, fearing career repercussions.
1950: The Jackie Robinson Story Released
In 1950, a film biography of Jackie Robinson's life, "The Jackie Robinson Story," was released. Robinson played himself, and Ruby Dee played his wife, Rachel. The film showcased Robinson's life and career, receiving praise for his performance.
1950: Robinson's Relationship with Rickey and Dodgers
In late 1950, Dodgers team President Branch Rickey left the franchise due to conflicts with co-owner Walter O'Malley. Jackie Robinson, who saw Rickey as a father figure, expressed his disappointment and gratitude in a heartfelt letter to Rickey.
1950: The Jackie Robinson Story Film
In 1950, Jackie Robinson portrayed himself in the motion picture 'The Jackie Robinson Story,' bringing his inspiring life story to the big screen.
1950: Birth of Sharon Robinson
In 1950, Sharon Robinson was born to Jackie and Rachel Robinson.
1950: League Leader in Fielding
In 1950, Jackie Robinson led the league in fielding among second basemen, showcasing his defensive skills after transitioning from first base to second base.
October 3, 1951: Dodgers Lose Pennant
On October 3, 1951, despite Jackie Robinson's efforts, the Dodgers lost the pennant to the New York Giants on Bobby Thomson's famous home run, the Shot Heard 'Round the World. Robinson observed Thomson's feet to ensure he touched all the bases, demonstrating his competitive spirit. Robinson completed the season with 106 runs, a .335 batting average, and 25 stolen bases.
1951: Leading in Double Plays and Playoff Push
During the 1951 season, Jackie Robinson led the National League in double plays as a second baseman, with 137, and kept the Dodgers in contention for the pennant. In the last game of the regular season, he hit a game-tying hit in the 13th inning and a game-winning home run in the 14th inning, forcing a playoff series against the New York Giants.
1951: Continued Defensive Excellence
In 1951, Jackie Robinson continued to excel defensively, leading the league in fielding among second basemen for the second consecutive year.
1951: Managerial Position Offer
In 1951, it was reported that O'Malley offered Jackie Robinson the position of manager for the Montreal Royals to take effect after Robinson's playing career ended. Although reports varied on whether the offer was formal, O'Malley expressed that Robinson would be delighted and honored to accept the role.
1952: Birth of David Robinson
In 1952, David Robinson was born to Jackie and Rachel Robinson.
1952: Challenging Racial Barriers and Career Shift
In 1952, Jackie Robinson had an average year by his standards, finishing with 104 runs, a .308 batting average, and 24 stolen bases. The Dodgers won the National League pennant but lost the World Series. Robinson publicly challenged the Yankees' racial policies and began shifting his focus toward managing. His request to manage in the Puerto Rican Winter League was denied by Commissioner Happy Chandler.
1953: Outstanding Performance in Batting and Speed
By 1953, Jackie Robinson had established himself as a formidable player with a .311 career batting average, .409 on-base percentage, and 197 stolen bases, earning the title 'father of modern base-stealing.'
1953: Addressing Racial Issues
In 1953, Jackie Robinson led the Dodgers to another National League pennant with 109 runs, a .329 batting average, and 17 steals. He faced death threats but continued to address racial issues publicly. He served as the editor for Our Sports magazine and criticized segregated hotels and restaurants, leading to integration in several establishments.
1954: Performance and Positional Changes
In 1954, Jackie Robinson scored 62 runs, had a .311 batting average, and 7 steals. His best game was on June 17, hitting two home runs and two doubles. With diminishing abilities, Robinson was tried in various positions, as Jim Gilliam took over second base.
1955: World Series Championship
In 1955, Jackie Robinson contributed to the Brooklyn Dodgers' World Series championship, marking a significant triumph in his career.
1955: World Series Championship
In 1955, Jackie Robinson won his only World Series championship with the Dodgers. Despite the team's success, it was Robinson's worst individual season, hitting .256 with 12 steals. He missed 49 games and did not play in Game 7 due to managerial decisions.
December 1956: NAACP Spingarn Medal
In December 1956, the NAACP awarded Jackie Robinson the Spingarn Medal for the highest achievement by an African-American. This honor highlighted Robinson's significant contributions both on and off the baseball field.
1956: End of Jackie Robinson's Major League Career
In 1956, Jackie Robinson played his final season in Major League Baseball. Over his ten-year career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, he participated in six World Series and six All-Star Games.
1956: End of Career and Retirement
In 1956, Jackie Robinson scored 61 runs, had a .275 batting average, and 12 steals. He exhibited signs of diabetes and lost interest in baseball. After striking out to end Game 7 of the World Series, Robinson retired and took an executive position with Chock full o'Nuts, announcing his retirement through Look magazine.
January 5, 1957: Jackie Robinson Retires from Baseball
On January 5, 1957, Jackie Robinson retired from baseball at the age of 37. Later that year, he was diagnosed with diabetes, a condition that would significantly impact his health.
1957: Vice President at Chock full o'Nuts
In 1957, Jackie Robinson became the vice president for personnel at Chock full o'Nuts, making him the first black person to serve as vice president of a major American corporation.
July 1959: Red Sox Integrate Roster
In July 1959, more than 14 years after Jackie Robinson's humiliating tryout with the Boston Red Sox, the team became the final major league team to integrate its roster.
October 1959: Desegregation of Greenville Municipal Airport
In October 1959, Jackie Robinson entered the whites-only waiting room at Greenville Municipal Airport and refused to leave when asked by police. His actions and subsequent speech at an NAACP event led to the desegregation of the airport.
1960: Supported Richard Nixon
In 1960, Jackie Robinson supported Richard Nixon in his presidential race against John F. Kennedy. Robinson later praised Kennedy for his stance on civil rights.
1962: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot, becoming the first black player to receive this honor. He urged voters to consider only his on-field performance.
1962: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame
In 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport and his role in breaking racial barriers.
1964: Founding of Freedom National Bank
In 1964, Jackie Robinson co-founded Freedom National Bank, a black-owned and operated commercial bank in Harlem, and became its first chairman of the board.
1964: Opposed Barry Goldwater
In 1964, Jackie Robinson opposed the presidential candidacy of Barry Goldwater, who had opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Robinson became one of six national directors for Nelson Rockefeller's campaign.
1965: First Black Analyst for ABC's MLB Game of the Week
In 1965, Jackie Robinson broke new ground by serving as the first black analyst for ABC's Major League Baseball Game of the Week telecasts, paving the way for future diversity in sports broadcasting.
1966: General Manager of Brooklyn Dodgers (CFL)
In 1966, Jackie Robinson became the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers in the Continental Football League, continuing his involvement in sports management.
1966: Appointed Special Assistant
In 1966, Jackie Robinson was appointed special assistant for community affairs when Nelson Rockefeller was re-elected governor of New York.
1967: Service on NAACP Board
In 1967, Jackie Robinson completed his decade-long service on the NAACP's board, having also chaired the organization's million-dollar Freedom Fund Drive in 1957.
1968: Supported Hubert Humphrey
In 1968, Jackie Robinson broke with the Republican Party and supported Hubert Humphrey against Richard Nixon in the presidential election.
1968: Suffered Heart Attack
In 1968, Jackie Robinson suffered a heart attack, which, along with complications from heart disease and diabetes, weakened him significantly.
1969: Protested Lack of Minority Managers
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.
1970: Establishment of Jackie Robinson Construction Company
In 1970, Jackie Robinson founded the Jackie Robinson Construction Company, focusing on building affordable housing for low-income families.
June 17, 1971: Death of Jackie Robinson Jr.
On June 17, 1971, Jackie Robinson Jr. was killed in an automobile accident at age 24.
1971: Death of Jackie Robinson Jr.
On June 17, 1971, Jackie Robinson Jr. was killed in an automobile accident at age 24.
1971: Appointed to NY Athletic Commission
In 1971, Jackie Robinson was appointed to the New York State Athletic Commission by Nelson Rockefeller.
June 4, 1972: Dodgers Retire Robinson's Number
On June 4, 1972, the Dodgers retired Jackie Robinson's uniform number 42, alongside numbers 39 and 32 of his former teammates Roy Campanella and Sandy Koufax.
October 15, 1972: Final Public Appearance
On October 15, 1972, Jackie Robinson made his final public appearance, throwing the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the World Series at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati.
October 24, 1972: Death of Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson passed away on October 24, 1972. His death marked the end of a significant life that broke racial barriers in Major League Baseball and beyond.
October 27, 1972: Jackie Robinson's Funeral
On October 27, 1972, Jackie Robinson's funeral service was held at Upper Manhattan's Riverside Church, attended by 2,500 mourners including many of his former teammates and famous athletes.
1972: Posthumous Awards
After his death in 1972, Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his extraordinary achievements both on and off the field.
1972: Part-Time Commentator for Montreal Expos
In 1972, Jackie Robinson served as a part-time commentator for Montreal Expos telecasts, further extending his influence in the realm of sports broadcasting.
1974: First Black MLB Manager
In 1974, the Cleveland Indians appointed Frank Robinson (no relation to Jackie) as MLB's first black manager, fulfilling Jackie's wish for more diversity in baseball management.
1976: Jackie Robinson House National Historic Landmark
In 1976, Jackie Robinson's home in Brooklyn was declared a National Historic Landmark. Brooklyn residents also sought to turn his home into a city landmark.
1978: Colonial Park Renamed
In 1978, Colonial Park in Harlem was renamed after Jackie Robinson, further solidifying his legacy within the community.
1982: First Jackie Robinson Postage Stamp
In 1982, the United States Postal Service honored Jackie Robinson with the first of three postage stamps, recognizing his significant impact on history.
March 26, 1984: Presidential Medal of Freedom
On March 26, 1984, President Ronald Reagan posthumously awarded Jackie Robinson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, acknowledging his significant contributions to American history and civil rights.
1984: Induction into UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame
In 1984, Jackie Robinson was among the 25 charter members inducted into UCLA's Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding achievements and contributions to sports. This accolade marks a significant recognition in Robinson's illustrious career.
1987: Rookie of the Year Award Renamed
In 1987, Major League Baseball renamed both the National and American League Rookie of the Year Awards to the 'Jackie Robinson Award' in honor of Robinson, the first recipient. This change commemorates Robinson's trailblazing achievements.
1990: Jackie Robinson Ballpark Dedication
In 1990, City Island Ballpark in Daytona Beach, Florida was renamed Jackie Robinson Ballpark. A statue of Robinson with two children was also erected in front of the ballpark, and his wife Rachel was present for the dedication on September 15, 1990.
1990: Freedom National Bank Closed
In 1990, the Freedom National Bank, where Rachel Robinson served on the board, closed.
April 15, 1997: Retirement of Jersey Number 42
On April 15, 1997, Major League Baseball retired Jackie Robinson's jersey number, 42, across all teams, making it the first number to be retired league-wide in any of the four major American sports leagues. A grandfather clause allowed existing players wearing the number to continue doing so until they changed teams or numbers.
1997: Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coins
In 1997, the United States Mint issued a Jackie Robinson commemorative silver dollar and five-dollar gold coin, celebrating Robinson's contributions to sports and society.
1997: Interboro Parkway Renamed
In 1997, New York City renamed the Interboro Parkway in honor of Jackie Robinson, commemorating his impact and contributions to the city.
1997: Retirement of Number 42
In 1997, Major League Baseball retired Jackie Robinson's uniform No. 42 across all major league teams. He became the first professional athlete in any sport to be honored in this way.
1997: Bronze Sculpture in Pasadena
In 1997, a $325,000 bronze sculpture depicting oversized nine-foot busts of Jackie Robinson and his brother Mack was erected at Garfield Avenue in Pasadena. The artwork, created by artists Ralph Helmick, Stu Schecter, and John Outterbridge, honors Robinson's legacy and was supported by the Robinson family and the Robinson Memorial Foundation.
1999: Named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team
In 1999, Jackie Robinson was honored as one of the 30 players named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team, recognizing his immense impact on the sport.
1999: Named to Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 1999, Jackie Robinson was named by Time on its list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century and was also elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.
1999: Second Jackie Robinson Postage Stamp
In 1999, the United States Postal Service issued a second postage stamp featuring Jackie Robinson, acknowledging his enduring legacy.
2000: NHL Retires Wayne Gretzky's Number
In 2000, the NHL retired Wayne Gretzky's number 99 league-wide, making it one of the only numbers besides Jackie Robinson's 42 to receive such an honor in major American sports leagues.
2000: Third Jackie Robinson Postage Stamp
In 2000, the United States Postal Service released a third postage stamp in honor of Jackie Robinson, underlining his lasting influence.
2002: Named Among 100 Greatest African Americans
In 2002, Molefi Kete Asante included Jackie Robinson on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans, acknowledging Robinson's monumental impact and legacy in both sports and civil rights.
April 15, 2004: First Jackie Robinson Day
Major League Baseball celebrated the first Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, 2004. On this day, every player on every team wears No. 42 in honor of Robinson's legacy.
2004: Inception of Jackie Robinson Day
In 2004, Major League Baseball began honoring Jackie Robinson by allowing players to wear number 42 on April 15, which became an annual observance known as Jackie Robinson Day.
2004: Jackie Robinson Award for High School Players
Since 2004, the Aflac National High School Baseball Player of the Year has been presented with the 'Jackie Robinson Award,' recognizing outstanding talent and honoring Robinson's legacy.
March 2, 2005: Congressional Gold Medal
On March 2, 2005, President George W. Bush awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Jackie Robinson's widow, recognizing Robinson's achievements and impact. Robinson became only the second baseball player to receive this prestigious award.
November 1, 2005: Unveiling of the Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson Statue
On November 1, 2005, a statue by sculptor William Behrends was unveiled at KeySpan Park, depicting Pee Wee Reese with his arm around Jackie Robinson. This statue commemorates Reese's gesture of solidarity and support towards Robinson, which occurred during a game in response to fans shouting racial slurs.
November 2006: Groundbreaking for Citi Field and Announcement of Jackie Robinson Rotunda
At the groundbreaking for Citi Field in November 2006, it was announced that the main entrance would be named the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. This area honors Robinson with significant features and marks his enduring legacy.
August 20, 2007: Induction into California Hall of Fame
On August 20, 2007, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the California Hall of Fame. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver announced the induction, which took place at The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts in Sacramento.
2007: 60th Anniversary of Robinson's MLB Debut
In 2007, to mark the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's Major League debut, MLB invited players to wear number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. This tribute saw participation from more than 200 players, including entire rosters of several teams.
April 15, 2008: Announcement of Jackie Robinson Museum
On April 15, 2008, Rachel Robinson announced that the Jackie Robinson Foundation would open a museum devoted to Jackie in Lower Manhattan in 2010.
June 25, 2008: New Plaque for Robinson at the Baseball Hall of Fame
On June 25, 2008, Major League Baseball installed a new plaque for Jackie Robinson at the Baseball Hall of Fame. The plaque commemorates not only his playing statistics but also his significant off-the-field impact on the game.
April 16, 2009: Opening of Jackie Robinson Rotunda
On April 16, 2009, the Jackie Robinson Rotunda was dedicated at the opening of Citi Field, the new ballpark for the New York Mets. The rotunda honors Robinson with large quotations and a freestanding statue of his number, 42.
2009: All MLB Personnel Wear Number 42
In 2009, all uniformed personnel in Major League Baseball, including players, wore number 42 on April 15 to honor Jackie Robinson. This tradition has continued every year since.
2010: Opening of Jackie Robinson Museum
In 2010, the Jackie Robinson Museum opened in Lower Manhattan, dedicated to preserving the legacy of Jackie Robinson.
2011: Plaque 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. The house, located at 8232 Avenue de Gaspé near Jarry Park, was Robinson's residence during 1946 when he played for the Montreal Royals.
April 14, 2013: Jackie Robinson Stadium Mural Unveiling
On April 14, 2013, a new mural of Jackie Robinson by artist Mike Sullivan was unveiled at the Jackie Robinson Stadium, which hosts the UCLA Bruins baseball team.
2013: Last Player to Wear Number 42 Retires
In 2013, Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees retired, marking the end of the era for players who were grandfathered in to wear Jackie Robinson's number 42.
November 22, 2014: UCLA Retires Jackie Robinson's Number 42
On November 22, 2014, UCLA announced it would officially retire the number 42 across all university sports, commemorating Jackie Robinson's legacy. The number will be prominently displayed at all UCLA athletic venues.
2016: PBS Documentary: Jackie Robinson
In 2016, PBS released a documentary titled 'Jackie Robinson,' directed by Ken Burns and featuring Jamie Foxx as the voice of Robinson, highlighting his life and legacy.
November 19, 2017: Auction of Robinson's Rookie Jersey
On November 19, 2017, a jersey that Jackie Robinson brought home after his rookie season ended in 1947 was sold at an auction for $2.05 million, the highest price ever paid for a post-World War II jersey.
2017: Unveiling of Robinson's Statue
In 2017, a statue of Jackie Robinson, created by sculptor Branly Cadet, was unveiled at Dodger Stadium, the first statue the Dodgers ever unveiled.
2020: Ranked on The Athletic's Baseball 100
In 2020, The Athletic ranked Jackie Robinson at number 42 on its 'Baseball 100' list, compiled by sportswriter Joe Posnanski.
2022: Rushing Yards Record
As of 2022, Jackie Robinson holds the school football record for highest rushing yards per carry in a season, with 12.2 yards per attempt on 42 carries in 1939.
2022: Opening of Jackie Robinson Museum
In 2022, the Jackie Robinson Museum and Learning Center opened in lower Manhattan. The museum, created in conjunction with Citigroup and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, aims to preserve and promote Robinson's ideals and legacy.
2022: NBA Retires Bill Russell's Number
In 2022, the NBA retired Bill Russell's number 6 across the league, following the precedent set by Jackie Robinson's number 42 in Major League Baseball.
2023: Salary Comparison
In 2023, Jackie Robinson's 1950 salary of $35,000 would be equivalent to $443,237 today, highlighting the historical context of his earnings.
2024: Rachel Robinson as Officer of Foundation
As of 2024, Rachel Robinson remains an officer of the Jackie Robinson Foundation.