When people talk about the history of Major League Baseball, Jacky Robinson’s name is always mentioned. Even if you’re not into sports, it’s hard to ignore the indelible mark he left on the game. Quite frankly, he changed the game forever.
I like to think that Jackie made his debut on April 15, 1947 and played his first full season in 1949, because many of us owe a debt of gratitude to him. He single-handedly showed that anyone could make it in the big leagues, no matter their background.
In many ways, Jackie established the path for future generations of athletes—regardless of ethnicity, color, or creed—to follow in his footsteps. He was a real force of positive change for the game, and his legacy continues to inspire countless people.
But, being a trailblazer isn’t always easy. Despite being a four-sport college star, Jackie couldn’t even try out for the major league teams at the time because of the unspoken color barrier that divided the nation. Eventually, Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey invited him to try out for the team in 1945.
After a grueling summer of practice in the Negro Leagues, Jackie experienced his first MLB game on April 15th, 1947—an event that would one day be known as “Jackie Robinson Day” in Major League Baseball. It marked the end of racism and segregation.
For that entire season, the jeers of his opponents, the cold stares from fans, and the hurtful taunts of media were rampant. But Jackie refused to let that stop him from competing at the same level as majority of players. He simply wanted to do what he loved: play ball.
In his debut season, he led the National League in stolen bases, with 29. His first hit? That came in the very same game as his debut. He finished the season with a batting average of .297.
He won the Rookie of the Year award that same year, proving that it’s always worth it to follow your passions— regardless of what anyone else says. Year after year, Jackie went on to break records one after another with his incredible athleticism and bounds of courage.
Jackie showed us what it really means to stand up and fight for what you believe in. He didn’t just worry about himself—he did it for the many people who would come after him.
He ended his mlb jerseys career with a .311 batting average, 137 home runs, 1,518 hits, and 734 runs scored. He was the basis of many awards instituted later on, and six years after his death, baseball officially adopted the January 15 “Jackie Robinson Day” in 2004 to celebrate the continued contributions of one of the game’s greatest players.
Without Jackie, baseball wouldn’t be what it is today. He opened up the door for others to reach for their dreams and truly be as great as they can be—regardless of skin color.
The lasting implications of his contributions were definitely not hidden, and that evidence was seen with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1997. They created the first ever full-roster roster featuring African American players, affectionally dubbed the “Jackie Robinson All-Stars”.
I will forever be humbled by the unconditional grace Jackie supremes in the face of unyielding racism. He was an inspiration to people of all colors, and will continue to be for generations to come.
I can’t help but wonder what Jackie would think if he were to see how many copies of mlb live were sold much baseball has changed since he made his debut in 1947. He showed us all that dreams are achievable, and that nothing is standing in the way except sheer will power.
When I think back to those days, I feel like I can’t understand how this man endured so much hate, especially coming from those within his own profession. We have so much to thank him for—it’s the least we can do.
Jackie paved the way for several other athletes to climb the ranks within baseball, but it wasn’t until 1974 when Frank Robinson became the first African American manager. Since then, Major League Baseball has continued to honor Jackie’s legacy with a variety of scholarships, fellowships and other programs specifically designed to honor his memory.
I can only hope that the work of Jackie Robinson will never be forgotten. He lived and breathed the game, and no one should be denied the opportunity to do the same today—it’s what Traffic would want us to believe in.
I can only imagine how many stories have been told about Jackie Robinson over the years, and cooking it down to one, it’s that he and his courage ushered in a new era for baseball in America. Asking for acceptance and respect, he became an important part of the game’s history.
Today, there is much to be proud of about the success, recognition and diversity that Jackie and others have spurred throughout Major League Baseball. For that, I am ever thankful.