| |
| |
Congressional Gold Medal Recipient
Jackie Robinson
Biography Jack Roosevelt Robinson, Athlete, Business Executive; Born Cairo, Georgia Jan. 31, 1919; s. Jerry and Mallie (McGriff) R.; student University of California at Los Angeles, 1939-41; LL.D., Berthune Cookman Coll., Daytona Beach, FL, 1951, Howard University, 1957; m. Rachel A. Isum, Feb. 10, 1946; children - Jack Roosevelt (dec.), Sharon A., David R. First
Negro to enter professional. baseball, 1946; played with Brooklyn. Dodgers. 1946-56; retired, 1956; former v.p. Chock Full O'Nuts Co., New York City, Chairman N.A.A.C.P. Fight for Freedom Fund, 1957. Member Board. Parole Connecticut State Prison; Board of Directors, Aldo Cons. A.T.I.; dir. YMCA Greater New York City, board mgrs. Harlem br. Served as 2d lt., Cav., AUS, 1941-44. Recipient Spingarn medal, 1956. Member of N.A.A.C.P., Nat. Conf. Christians and Jews. Home: Stamford CT. Died October 24, 1972.
Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel Robinson, and their three children (David, Sharon, and Jackie, Jr.) at home in Stamford, Connecticut. Photograph by Arthur Rothstein, 1956.
Jackie Robinson burst onto the scene in 1947, breaking Baseball's color barrier and bringing the Negro leagues' electrifying style of play to the majors. He quickly became Baseball's top drawing card and a symbol of hope to millions of Americans. With Robinson as the catalyst, the Dodgers won six pennants in his 10 seasons. He dominated games on the basepaths, stealing home 19 times while riling opposing pitchers with his daring baserunning style. Robinson was named National League MVP in 1949, leading the loop in hitting (.342) and steals (37), while knocking in 124 runs. Jackie Robinson played himself in the 1950 movie '
The Jackie Robinson Story" along with Ruby Dee as his wife Rachel Robinson and Minor Watson as Brooklyn Dodgers Executive Branch Rickey.
Jackie Robinson, in Kansas City Monarchs uniform.
Photograph from The Call (Kansas City), 1945.
Jackie and Rachel Robinson with Dodgers Branch Rickey for Jackie's 1962 Hall of Fame Induction.
Jackie Robinson,
Don Newcombe, &
Roy Campanella 1949
|
|
|
|
|
Articles & Breifings
