Jackie Robinson is responsible for creating the path that many more negro ballplayers followed, some of the most well known being Larry Doby, Roy Campanella, Hank Aaron, and Satchel Paige.
Jackie's Legacy
Effects on Baseball
Larry Doby Plaque, Baseball Hall of Fame
Roy Campanella Plaque, Baseball Hall of Fame
Hank Aaron Plaque, Baseball Hall of Fame
Satchel Paige Plaque, Baseball Hall of Fame
"I played baseball for twenty-three years, and I owe it in part to Jackie Robinson, who gave me the strength I needed and the opportunity to play-the chance to do everything I could do."-Hank Aaron, I Never Had It Made Introduction, 1995.
Jackie Robinson, The American Prospect
"My fight was against the barriers that kept Negroes out of baseball. This was the area where I found imperfection, and where I was best able to fight. And I fought because I knew it was not doomed to be a losing fight. It couldn't be a losing fight-not when it took place in a free society. And in the largest sense, I believe that what I did was done for me - that it was my faith in God that sustained me in my fight. And that what was done for me must and will be done for others." - Jackie Robinson, Free Minds and Hearts at Work, 2006
Hall of Fame
July 23, 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the hall of fame.
Jackie Robinson Hall of Fame Plaque, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1962
"I just hope you don’t mind if I just pay a word of thanks and a tribute to my advisor and a wonderful friend, a man who I considered a father, Mr. Branch Rickey. And my mother, who taught me so much of the important things early in life. I appreciate no end, my mother Mrs. Robinson.
And lastly, ladies and gentlemen, my wife, who has been such a wonderful inspiration to me and the person who has guided and advised me throughout our entire marriage. I couldn’t have been here today without her help....I never thought at all that I would have this wonderful honor coming to me so early in my lifetime...Thank you."- Jackie Robinson Hall of Fame induction speech, American Rhetoric, 1962
Branch Rickey, Jackie Robinson, and Rachel Robinson, Baseball Hall of Fame, 1962
Effects on Civil Rights
The impact Jackie Robinson had on civil rights was important. He performed acts of kindness and courage, breaking barriers along the way. Jackie Robinson was among the most influential people in the desegregation of America.
Jackie Robinson and David Robinson at March on Washington, Archives.org, August 28, 1963
"I have never been so proud to be a Negro. I have never been so proud to be an American."-Jackie Robinson, March on Washington, PBS
Jackie Robinson giving a speech, ABC News, 1964
"I was eleven years old, for an eleven year old kid in the heart of it, with his father's arm over his shoulder, as the protector, and leader into this world, it was a fantastic day for myself personally, and I think for us as a nation, us as a race."-David Robinson, March on Washington, PBS, 2016
The March on Washington was a monumental event for America, as it marked an important step to racial equality.
One of the greatest successes for Jackie in civil rights was that he was able to inspire people, and so later they could make a difference, too, like Ruby Bridges, who was the first six year old to integrate elementary schools after the Brown v. Board of Education decision.
"I see Jackie Robinson as one of the fathers of the Civil Rights Movement that paved the way for me to continue the journey."-Ruby Bridges, ESPN, April 4, 2022
Civil Rights Act of 1964, July 2, 1964, History.com
"Dear Mr. President:
First, let me thank you for pursuing a course towards civil rights that no president in our history has pursued. I am confidant your dedication will not only continue, but will be accelerated dependent on the needs of all Americans..."
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was another large step towards racial equality. However, discrimination continued, as did Jackie's work in civil rights.
Letter From Jackie Robinson to President Lyndon B. Johnson, National Archives, 1967
Remembering Jackie Robinson
April 15, 1997, 50 years after his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie's number, 42, was retired from Major League Baseball. 7 years later, on April 15, 2004, the day was officially pronounced "Jackie Robinson Day."
Jackie Robinson Day, MLB, 2019
"It is hard to believe that it was 50 years ago at Ebbets Field that a 28-year-old rookie changed the face of baseball and the face of America forever. Jackie Robinson scored the go-ahead run that day. And we've all been trying to catch up ever since."-Bill Clinton, April 15, 1997, Jayson Stark, ESPN
Mary Decicco, Jackie Robinson Day, People.com, April 15, 2022
"Throughout its long history, Major League Baseball has operated under the premise that no single person is bigger than the game-no single person other than Jackie Robinson."-Bud Selig, Baseball Commissioner, April 15, 1997, Jayson Stark, ESPN
Jackie Robinson Day, sportlogos.net, April 2022
"On the 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, we're reminded of his groundbreaking career and legacy that has paved the way for so many who would follow-including me."- Barack Obama, Twitter, April 15, 2022