Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson
January 31,1919 – October 24, 1972
60 years ago, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American Major League Baseball player, making his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. In doing so, he broke through the color barrier in professional sports in a society that was not completely prepared for it. Overcoming the trials and tribulations that came with it, Robinson became an icon and an inspiration to all who followed.
“I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me...all I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”
- Jackie Robinson
