Los Angeles Dodgers Mount Rushmore
By David Hill
Jackie Robinson (1947-1956)
Jackie Robinson may well be the most important player in baseball history.
The first black player in the game since Fleet Walker, Robinson was hand selected by Branch Rickey to shatter the color barrier. His every action was under heavy scrutiny, and Robinson would need to be a star in order to gain acceptance. The fate of black baseball players everywhere hinged on how well he performed.
Needless to say, Robinson shattered even the loftiest of expectations. He won the first Rookie of the Year award in 1947, and two years later, took home the MVP award. Robinson was a six time All Star, a two time stolen base leader, and the 1949 batting champion. His defensive versatility made him a valuable part of the Dodgers infield, a key component in their dynasty in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Robinson’s statistics do not show his full value. Overall with the Dodgers, he produced a solid .311/.409/.474 batting line, hitting 137 homers and 273 doubles. He stole 197 bases despite playing in an era when the stolen base was an afterthought, limiting his numbers. Had he arrived in the majors earlier, or had he played in a different era, his performance could have been even more impressive.
Jackie Robinson was one of the greatest players in Dodgers history. However, his place in baseball history is even more impressive.