Americas · Modern Era

Who was Jackie Robinson?

The first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era, breaking the sport's color line in 1947.

Jackie Robinson (1919–1972) is remembered as a key figure from United States, known for their role: Baseball player.

Country / regionUnited States · Americas
Known forBaseball player
Years1919–1972
BornCairo, Georgia
DiedStamford, Connecticut

Why is Jackie Robinson important?

Jackie Robinson stands out in history for a specific reason: Became the first African American to play in modern-era Major League Baseball. Their story helps place major events, ideas, and cultural change in a wider historical context.

Key achievements

  • Became the first African American to play in modern-era Major League Baseball
  • Broke MLB's color line as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947
  • Helped end the segregation that had confined Black players to the Negro leagues
  • Was later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame

A fast fact

Robinson's signing by the Dodgers heralded the end of racial segregation in professional baseball.

Legacy

Robinson's breaking of baseball's color line is remembered as a landmark moment in both sports history and the broader American civil rights movement.

United Statesmodern historyhistory makerssports

What is Jackie Robinson best known for?

The first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era, breaking the sport's color line in 1947.

When and where did Jackie Robinson live?

Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia (1919–1972) and died in Stamford, Connecticut.

What is Jackie Robinson's lasting legacy?

Robinson's breaking of baseball's color line is remembered as a landmark moment in both sports history and the broader American civil rights movement.

How can I learn more about Jackie Robinson?

Use this profile as a starting point, then consult a library, museum, encyclopedia, or primary-source collection for deeper study.