Today in History

April 15, 1947

The Debut of Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson's debut on April 15, 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers ended professional baseball's color barrier. During the early years following his debut, Robinson endured abuse at the hands of baseball players and fans alike. The scope of his accomplishments, however, won over even the most hardened racists. In 1947, Robinson won the first Rookie of the Year Award. In 1949, he was awarded the National League's Most Valuable Player Award. The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted Robinson in 1962. During his career, Robinson was a member of six World Series teams and earned a spot in six consecutive All-Star Games. He was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On the 50th anniversary of this debut, his Jersey number 42 was retired. He died in 1973.

You are free to use this content in your own newsletters and emails with your clients. Travel Research Online is a free service to all professional travel agents offering more than 750 destination guides, epostcards and other marketing and research tools.