Player Biography
In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the major leagues’ unwritten color barrier, becoming the first black player in the 20th century. Teammate and Hall of Famer Duke Snider called him “the greatest competitor I’ve ever seen.” Robinson was selected by Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey not only for the skills he brought to the field, but also those he possessed off it. A man of great character, Robinson lettered in four sports at UCLA before becoming an officer in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1997, Robinson was honored posthumously when Major League Baseball universally retired his uniform number, 42.
Player Biography
In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the major leagues’ unwritten color barrier, becoming the first black player in the 20th century. Teammate and Hall of Famer Duke Snider called him “the greatest competitor I’ve ever seen.” Robinson was selected by Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey not only for the skills he brought to the field, but also those he possessed off it. A man of great character, Robinson lettered in four sports at UCLA before becoming an officer in the U.S. Army during World War II. In 1997, Robinson was honored posthumously when Major League Baseball universally retired his uniform number, 42.
