Key Dates at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1919 | Official records / biographical archives |
| Place of Birth | Cairo, Georgia, United States | Biographical documentation |
| Date of Death | October 24, 1972 | Official obituaries / archives |
| Place of Death | Stamford, Connecticut, United States | Biographical documentation |
| MLB Debut | April 15, 1947 | MLB historical records |
| MLB Team | Brooklyn Dodgers | Team rosters / archives |
| Jersey Number Retired | 42 (across MLB) | MLB policy announcement |
Introduction to Jackie Robinson’s Birth and Lifespan
Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, and died on October 24, 1972, in Stamford, Connecticut. He was 53 years old at the time of his death. Robinson’s life spanned a transformative period in American history, and his career bridged the worlds of sports, civil rights, and business. By breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, he altered the trajectory of professional sports and became a symbol of resistance against racial segregation. His influence extends far beyond statistics, shaping conversations about equality and opportunity in America.
Early Life and Family Background
Robinson was the youngest of five children born to a family of sharecroppers. After his father left the family when Jackie was an infant, his mother, Mallie Robinson, moved the family to Pasadena, California in search of better opportunities. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, Jackie experienced racial discrimination early and often, which shaped his toughness and resolve. He excelled in multiple sports at John Muir High School and later at Pasadena Junior College, before serving in the U.S. Army during World World II. His military experiences, including a notable confrontation with racial segregation on base, foreshadowed his lifelong engagement with civil rights.
Baseball Career and Breaking the Color Line
In 1947, Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ general manager, chose Robinson to integrate Major League Baseball, selecting him for his talent, discipline, and fortitude. On April 15, 1947, Robinson debuted at first base for the Dodgers, facing jeers, threats, and deliberate intimidation from opposing players and fans. Rather than retaliating, he channeled his anger into performance, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in his first season. Over the course of his ten-year career with Brooklyn, he played in six World Series, recorded a .311 batting average, and earned six All-Star selections. His presence on the field forced MLB to confront its exclusionary practices, paving the way for generations of Black players.
Performance Highlights
- 1947: National League Rookie of the Year
- 1949: National League Most Valuable Player
- Six-time All-Star selection
- World Series champion (1955, with Brooklyn Dodgers)
- .311 career batting average, 137 home runs, 734 runs scored
Activism and Civil Rights Engagement
Robinson’s impact transcended baseball. After retiring from the sport in 1957, he became a vocal advocate for civil rights, speaking publicly against segregation and working with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. He criticized politicians and institutions that failed to advance racial equality, using his platform to highlight systemic injustice. Robinson supported political candidates who championed civil rights, and he pressed Major League Baseball to accelerate the integration of front office and coaching roles. His activism often placed him at odds with powerful figures, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to racial justice. By aligning his athletic fame with moral advocacy, he modeled how public figures can leverage visibility for social change.
Later Life, Death, and Enduring Legacy
In his later years, Robinson struggled with health issues, including diabetes and heart disease, before passing on October 24, 1972. His death prompted an outpouring of national mourning, reflecting the profound respect he had earned. Beyond statistics, Robinson’s legacy is measured in the doors he opened for Black athletes in every major sport. His number 42 has been retired across Major League Baseball, a rare honor that ensures his memory is preserved at every game. Each April 15, players wear No. 42 to honor his courage and contribution. Institutions, documentaries, and biographies continue to explore his life, ensuring that future generations understand both the personal trials he overcame and the societal barriers he helped dismantle.
Comparison with Contemporaries and Historical Impact
Robinson’s integration of baseball preceded and influenced the integration of other professional leagues and many public institutions. While he was not the first Black athlete in predominantly white sports, his success in the nation’s pastime made integration a tangible reality rather than an abstract ideal. Compared to contemporaries in the Negro Leagues, Robinson had access to larger platforms and economic resources, which amplified his advocacy. His career also coincided with the early stages of the modern Civil Rights Movement, positioning him as both a symbol and an active participant in the fight for equality. Over time, historians have recognized that his influence reshaped not only sports but also American race relations, making his lifespan—from January 31, 1919, to October 24, 1972—a pivotal arc in the nation’s ongoing journey toward justice.