LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Jackie Robinson: Brooklyn Dodgers
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In a time when baseball was ruled by a strict color line, Jackie Robinson bravely agreed to be the first to integrate the major leagues. Although he faced hostility from white fans, baseball players, and even teammates, Robinson never buckled under the pressure. For nearly ten years he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and when he finally retired, he refused to remain silent on the issue of civil rights. Until the end of his life, Jackie Robinson never gave up his dream of equality for blacks.
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Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) was the first African-American Major League Baseball player. He played with the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956, and he was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1949.
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When most African Americans think of Jackie Robinson, they think of the ultimate symbol of racial pride and progress in the sports arena. Jackie Robinson represented that symbol when he was chosen as the first African American to play in modern times for the Major League Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson was chosen to fill these shoes by Branch Rickey, president and general manager of the Dodgers. October 23, 1945 was the date that Robinson signed a contract to play with the Montreal Royals, a minor league affiliate of the Dodgers. This was Robinson's official first step to the majors, which came on April 15, 1947 when he entered Ebbets Field to play baseball with the Dodgers. This April 15, 1997 will be the 50th Anniversary of the celebrated date.
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On April 15, 1997, 50 years after Jackie Robinson first stepped onto Ebbetts Field in Brooklyn, #42 was retired from Major League Baseball, a unique honor for a unique baseball player. Ten years later, Ken Griffey Jr asked MLB Commissioner Selig if he might wear #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. Selig declared that any player could wear the number on that day to honor a great man, and teams rushed to create special uniforms for the occasion. On some teams, one player wore 42. On others, everyone did. At the Dodgers/Padres game, all the Dodgers wore 42 minus their own names, and Hank Aaron observed that #42 was as great as ever, stealing bases, driving in runs, and playing great defense.
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Following Jackie Robinson's first season in Major League Baseball, the door was open for others African-Americans and Latino baseball players. In 1948, Larry Doby was signed by the Cleveland Indians, and he became the first African-American player in the American League. Also in 1948, Roy Campanella was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1949, Minnie Minoso signed with the Cleveland Indians, becoming one of the first Latino players in the major leagues.
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Jackie Robinson (Jack Roosevelt Robinson) was born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia. He made his Major League debut on April 15, 1947 for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1947, his rookie year, he hit .297 with 12 home runs and 48 RBI. Robinson played for the Brooklyn Dodgers for his entire 10 year career.
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