What makes jackie robinson famous

Army from , during which he became second Lieutenant. Named National League Rookie of the Year in Led the National League in stolen bases in and Led second basemen in double plays , , and National League All-Star Team, Had a career batting average of. Rickey knew there would be difficult times ahead for the young athlete, and so made Robinson promise to not fight back when confronted with racism. Rickey also personally tested Robinson's reactions to the racial slurs and insults he knew the player would endure.

From the beginning of his career with the Dodgers, Robinson's will was tested. Some of his new teammates objected to having an African American on their team. People in the crowds sometimes jeered Robinson, and he and his family received threats. Despite the racial abuse, particularly at away games, Robinson had an outstanding start with the Royals, leading the International League with a.

His successful year led to his promotion to join the Dodgers. Robinson played his first game at Ebbets Field for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, , making history as the first Black athlete to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. The harassment continued, however, most notably by the Philadelphia Phillies and their manager, Ben Chapman.

During one infamous game, Chapman and his team shouted derogatory terms at Robinson from their dugout. Many players on opposing teams threatened not to play against the Dodgers. Even his own teammates threatened to sit out. But Dodgers manager Leo Durocher informed them that he would sooner trade them than Robinson. His loyalty to the player set the tone for the rest of Robinson's career with the team. In one incident, while fans harassed Robinson from the stands, Reese walked over and put his arm around his teammate, a gesture that has become legendary in baseball history.

Robinson succeeded in putting the prejudice and racial strife aside and showed everyone what a talented player he was. In his first year, he batted. He continued to wow fans and critics alike with impressive feats, such as an outstanding. Robinson soon became a hero of the sport, even among former critics, and was the subject of the popular song, "Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?

An exceptional base runner, Robinson stole home 19 times in his career, setting a league record. In , he helped the Dodgers win the World Series.

Before he retired, he became the highest-paid athlete in Dodgers' history. Over the course of his career in Major League Baseball, from to , Robinson achieved the following stats:. In his decade-long career with the Dodgers, Robinson and his team won the National League pennant several times. Finally, in , he helped them achieve the ultimate victory: winning the World Series.

After failing before in four other series matchups, the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees. He helped the team win one more National League pennant the following season. Those players already wearing the number were allowed to keep it. Baseball Hall of Fame. Lamb, C. Breslin, Jimmy. Branch Rickey: A Life. Penguin Random House. Jackie Robinson: 7 memorable quotes. Jackie Robinson. Baseball Reference.

But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in the Major Leagues on April 15, , when he took the field in the top of the first inning against the Boston Braves.

Despite struggling with a heart condition, Mack Robinson later clinched a spot on The eyes of Abraham Lincoln gazed down from a portrait on the paneled walls inside the executive offices of the Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball Club as Branch Rickey fire-hosed a torrent of racial slurs at Jackie Robinson.

The president and general manager of the Dodgers had little After he broke the color line and became the first Black baseball player to play in the American major leagues during the 20th century, four other players of color soon followed in his Negro League Baseball got its start thanks to the increasing popularity of two things after the Civil War: baseball and segregation.

Historically, Black women in sports faced double discrimination due to their gender and race. A number of African American female athletes have emerged as trailblazers in their particular sports over the years, from track and field and tennis to figure skating and basketball. Among prominent figures are Madam C. Walker, who was the first U.

Until Jackie Robinson broke the Major League Baseball color line in , Black Americans' professional baseball opportunities were limited primarily to the Negro Leagues.

These leagues showcased impressive talent, from power hitters Buck Leonard and Josh Gibson to pitchers Live TV.