HISTORIC ARTICLE

Apr 15, 1947 CE: Jackie Robinson Day

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson took the field as the Brooklyn Dodgers’ first baseman, becoming the first Black athlete to play in modern Major League Baseball.

Grades

9 - 12

Subjects

Social Studies, U.S. History

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On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. Jackie started out playing first base, but played most of his career at second base. Jackie played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie had a fantastic career! He was baseball’s first Rookie of the Year. Two years later, he was the Most Valuable Player. He played on six All-Star Teams, won a World Series with the Dodgers, and was named to the “All-Century Team” by fans. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jackie’s jersey number, 42, is “universally retired.” That means no player in Major League Baseball, on any team, ever wears 42—except every April 15, when every single player wears 42 to honor “Jackie Robinson Day.”

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Writer

National Geographic Society

Producer

National Geographic Society

other

Last Updated

October 19, 2023

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