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Major League Baseball on Monday observed the enduring legacy of Jackie Robinson, commemorating the anniversary of his 1947 debut that broke baseball’s color barrier. Teams across the United States held ceremonies and educational events, according to the league, underscoring Robinson’s impact on sports and American society and reaffirming MLB’s stated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, becoming the first Black player in the modern major leagues. His arrival ended decades of racial segregation in professional baseball and marked a pivotal moment in U.S. civil rights history.
Jackie Robinson officials said all players, managers, and coaches wore Robinson’s No. 42 during games, a tradition observed annually since the number was permanently retired across MLB in 1997. Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement that Robinson’s courage “set in motion a movement far beyond baseball.”
Born in 1919 in Cairo, Georgia, Robinson excelled as a multi-sport athlete before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He later joined the Negro Leagues before being signed by Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, who selected Robinson not only for his talent but for his willingness to endure racial hostility without retaliation.
Jackie Robinson went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 and the league’s Most Valuable Player Award in 1949. He helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship in 1955 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
Beyond baseball, Jackie Robinson became an outspoken advocate for civil rights, working with national organizations and using his platform to challenge segregation and discrimination. Historians widely credit his career with accelerating the integration of other professional sports in the United States.
MLB said educational programming tied to the observance will continue throughout the season, including youth initiatives and partnerships with the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which supports college scholarships and leadership development.
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