Celebrating Jackie
Jackie Robinson: Paving the Way Forward
As one of the first and most visible institutions to accept African Americans on relative terms of equality, baseball became viewed as a model for the nation—providing a blueprint for future widespread integration.
An outstanding baseball player, Jackie Robinson integrated Major League Baseball April 15, 1947, with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York, wearing the number “42.”
His major league debut played a pivotal role in how the nation would respond to integrating teams. In doing so, he became the biggest name in baseball since Babe Ruth and won Rookie of the Year. His success had ramifications far beyond the playing field as many African American leaders saw the “noble experiment” as a model for widespread integration.
To commemorate the historic moment of Major League Baseball integrating 75 years ago, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has placed Robinson's road jersey from the 1951 baseball season on view in the museum’s “Sports: Leveling the Playing Field” gallery until May 1.
Jackie Robinson (1919 - 1972) of the Brooklyn Dodgers, dressed in a road uniform, crouches by the base and prepares to catch a ball, 1951. Throughout the course of his baseball career Robinson played several positions on the infield as well as serving as outfielder.
He was a sit-inner before sit-ins, a freedom rider before freedom rides. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. After Robinson’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame,1962
Beyond the Playing Field
Discover images of Jackie Robinson's life off the field from the Johnson Publishing Company Archive. Courtesy Ford Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Smithsonian Institution.
Baseball giant Jackie Robinson, is pictured spending some one-on-one time with his three children and wife in their home.
Jackie Robinson and brother Mack Robinson are pictured with their mother and Jackie's mother-in-law.
Jackie Robinson is pictured chatting with Rep. Charles C. Diggs Jr.
Featured in EBONY August 1958, issue David Jett joyfully cuts baseball great Jackie Robinson's hair.
Baseball great Jackie Robinson is ushered through barriers as he arrives for Adam Clayton Powell Jr. funeral at Abyssinian Baptist Church. He was among 5000 persons invited to attend the service inside the sanctuary.
Featured in the EBONY August 1958, Jackie Robinson shares a kiss with wife Rachel Robinson.
A Closer Look
Sports Curator Damion Thomas discusses Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Robinson’s debut and integration of Major League Baseball.
Presented with special thanks to our Sports Leadership Council, including:
The Brooklyn Nets and the New York Liberty Foundation
Robert K. Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
Spurs Sports & Entertainment
The Washington Commanders
Honorable Mention from Ragan’s PR Daily Awards