Achievements

In 1947, Jackie Robinson engineered the integration of professional sports in America by breaking the color barrier in baseball. He overcame numerous obstacles in his 10 year career to become one of baseball's most exciting and dazzling players. His enormous talent helped lead the Brooklyn Dodgers to six pennants and one World Series Championship. The ultimate honor was bestowed when Jackie was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility.

However, Jackie Robinson's contributions go far beyond the baseball diamond. Upon retirement from baseball, Jackie fought tirelessly to improve the quality of life not only for African-Americans, but for society as a whole. By becoming the first black vice president of a major American corporation, Robinson continued to open doors for African Americans.

Education

Attended Washington Junior High School in 1935.
Achieved four-letterman status at John Muir Technical High School.
Enrolled in Pasadena Junior College 1938-1939.
Led Pasadena to the Junior College Championship in 1938.
Named Most Valuable Junior College Player in Southern California in 1938.
Held the National Junior College broad jump record.
Transferred to UCLA 1939-1940.
Won the NCAA broad jump title at 25' 6 1/2".
Became UCLA's first four-letter man.
Served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945, during which he became second Lieutenant.
Inducted into UCLA's Hall of Fame on June 10, 1984.

Career

Broke the color barrier in major league baseball in 1947 by becoming the first African-American player.
Named National League Rookie of the Year in 1947.
Led the National League in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949.
Led second basemen in double plays 1949, 1950, 1951 and 1952.
Selected as the National League MVP in 1949
Won the 1949 batting title with a .342.
National League All-Star Team, 1949-1954.
Had a career batting average of .311 with the Dodgers, .333 in All-Star games Led the Dodgers to six World Series and one World Series Championship in a 10-year span.

Beyond Baseball

Starred in "The Jackie Robinson Story" in 1950.
Opened a men's apparel store on 125th street in Harlem from 1952-1958.
Signed a contract with WNBC and WNBT to serve as Director of Community Activities in 1952.
Became Vice President of Chock Full O'Nuts in 1957.
Served in numerous campaigns and on the board of directors for the NAACP from 1957-1967.
Established the Jackie Robinson Construction Company in 1970 to build housing for families with low incomes.
Author of autobiography "I Never Had It Made."