Dodgers History: Jackie Robinson’s Five Greatest Moments
By David Hill
On this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, shattering the MLB color barrier. On the 70th anniversary of his debut, let us look back at his five greatest moments in his career.
Jackie Robinson was one of the players who transcended baseball. The Brooklyn Dodgers infielder was an inspiration for an entire generation, ending the color barrier in Major League Baseball and showing the black players could be just as good, if not better, than their white counterparts. Such luminaries as Martin Luther King Jr. considered Robinson an icon, as he helped motivate the civil rights activist to change the course of history in this country.
Robinson found success early, opening the floodgates as Major League teams began to scour the Negro Leagues for talent. Larry Doby became the first black player in the American League, integrating the Cleveland Indians. Soon, most of the teams around the game had integrated, realizing that they were only hurting themselves by ignoring such talented players.
Even though he passed away in 1972, Robinson’s legacy is still felt. His number 42 became the first, and thus far only, number retired throughout the game. The Rookie of the Year award was named in his honor (more on this in a bit). He still inspires those who fight against prejudice and injustice around the globe, remembered for his quiet dignity and grace under fire.
And so, on the 70th anniversary of his debut with the Dodgers, let us look back at those great moments in Jackie Robinson’s career.