The Third Black MLB Player: Jackie Robinson
The integration of Major League Baseball (MLB) was a significant milestone in the fight for racial equality in the United States. The first black player to break into the major leagues was Jackie Robinson, who made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Robinson became the third black MLB player, paving the way for future generations of African-American players.
Early Life of Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. He was the youngest of five children born to Mallie and Jerry Robinson. The family moved to Pasadena, California, when Robinson was an infant. He was raised in a mostly white neighborhood and attended John Muir High School, where he excelled in sports.
Jackie Robinson’s Education and Military Service
Robinson attended Pasadena Junior College before transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). At UCLA, Robinson became the first athlete in school history to letter in four sports: football, basketball, track and baseball. After graduating, Robinson was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He served with distinction and was honorably discharged in 1944.
Jackie Robinson’s Baseball Career
After being discharged from the Army in 1944, Robinson signed a contract with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League. He played one season with the Monarchs before signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in October 1945. Robinson made his major league debut on April 15, 1947, becoming the first African-American to play in the major leagues since the 1880s.
Jackie Robinson’s Record-Breaking Career
Robinson had an impressive career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming a six-time All-Star and the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1949. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, becoming the first black player to be inducted. Robinson’s number, 42, was retired by the Dodgers in 1997 and by all major league teams in 2003.
Jackie Robinson’s Impact on Baseball
Robinson’s impact on baseball went far beyond his individual achievements. His courage and determination to break the color barrier in baseball helped open the door for other African-American players to join the major leagues. He paved the way for the likes of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Ernie Banks, who all followed in his footsteps and made their own contributions to the game.
The Other Two Black MLB Players
The two black players who preceded Robinson in the major leagues were both pitchers. The first was Moses Fleetwood Walker, who made his debut in 1884 with the Toledo Blue Stockings of the American Association. The second was his brother, Welday Walker, who played briefly with the St. Louis Browns in 1887.
Other Black Players Who Followed Jackie Robinson
The integration of baseball was an ongoing process, and Robinson’s accomplishment was only the first step. Other notable African-American players who followed in his footsteps include:
Willie Mays
- Willie Mays, who made his debut with the New York Giants in 1951 and went on to become one of the greatest players in baseball history.
Hank Aaron
- Hank Aaron, who debuted with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954 and would eventually break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record.
Ernie Banks
- Ernie Banks, who played for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.
Jackie Robinson’s Legacy
Robinson’s legacy is still felt in the game of baseball today. His courage and determination to break the color barrier have inspired generations of African-American players and fans alike. His name is often invoked as a symbol of racial progress and justice, and his number, 42, is retired by all major league teams in his honor.
Conclusion
Jackie Robinson’s story is an inspiring one, and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come. He was the third black MLB player, but his impact on the game and society at large was far greater than his individual accomplishments. Robinson was a trailblazer who laid the groundwork for future generations of African-American players, and his name will forever be synonymous with progress and justice.