Early Life and Education
Born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, Jackie Robinson was the youngest of five children to parents Jerry and Mallie Robinson. After his father left, the family moved to Pasadena, California, where they faced economic hardships. Robinson attended John Muir High School and later Pasadena Junior College, excelling in multiple sports, including football, basketball, track, and baseball. He continued his athletic career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), becoming the university’s first athlete to letter in four sports. Due to financial difficulties, Robinson left UCLA before graduating.
Military Service
In 1942, Robinson was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He faced racial discrimination, notably an incident where he refused to move to the back of a segregated bus, leading to a court-martial. Robinson was acquitted of all charges and honorably discharged in 1944.
Fort Riley and Officer Candidate School
Initially, Black soldiers at Fort Riley were denied access to Officer Candidate School despite meeting all the qualifications. Robinson, along with heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, advocated for equal treatment, leading to a change in policy. Eventually, Robinson was admitted to OCS and earned his commission as a second lieutenant in 1943, making him one of the few Black officers in a predominantly segregated military.
The Bus Incident at Fort Hood
One of the most defining moments of Robinson’s military career occurred on July 6, 1944, at Fort Hood, Texas. While riding an Army bus, Robinson refused to move to the back when instructed by the driver, defying Jim Crow segregation rules that still dominated the South. This act of defiance led to his arrest and charges of insubordination, disturbing the peace, and disrespecting a superior officer.
Robinson’s court-martial trial gained significant attention. His commanding officer, knowing Robinson’s character and reputation, refused to authorize the charges, but higher-ranking officials proceeded with the case. During the trial, inconsistencies in witness testimonies and clear racial bias became evident. Ultimately, Robinson was acquitted of all charges on August 2, 1944, and was honorably discharged from the Army later that year.
Impact of Military Experience
Robinson’s experiences in the military further fueled his resolve to fight racial injustice. His wrongful arrest and trial mirrored the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans in both civilian and military life. This episode in his life served as a precursor to his later struggles in Major League Baseball, where he would once again be called upon to endure racism with grace and resilience.
Although Robinson did not see combat, his military service was marked by acts of bravery off the battlefield—challenging segregation, advocating for equal rights, and refusing to accept second-class treatment. His refusal to back down in the face of injustice foreshadowed the strength and determination he would later display in breaking baseball’s color barrier.
Breaking the Color Barrier
After his military service, Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues. In 1945, Brooklyn Dodgers’ general manager Branch Rickey selected Robinson to integrate Major League Baseball. On April 15, 1947, Robinson debuted for the Dodgers, becoming the first African American player in the modern MLB era. Despite facing significant racism, he earned the inaugural Rookie of the Year award that year.
Major League Career
Robinson’s MLB career spanned from 1947 to 1956, all with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was a six-time All-Star and won the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1949. In 1955, he helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series championship. Robinson retired with a .311 batting average and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
Post-Baseball Life and Legacy
After retiring, Robinson became a prominent civil rights activist and businessman. He worked with the NAACP and campaigned for political candidates supporting civil rights. Robinson passed away on October 24, 1972, in Stamford, Connecticut, due to heart disease. His legacy is honored annually on April 15, known as Jackie Robinson Day, where all MLB players wear his jersey number, 42.
Detailed Bio Table
| Full Name | Jack Roosevelt Robinson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1919 |
| Place of Birth | Cairo, Georgia, USA |
| Parents | Jerry Robinson (father), Mallie Robinson (mother) |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Spouse | Rachel Robinson (m. 1946) |
| Children | Jackie Robinson Jr., Sharon Robinson, David Robinson |
| Date of Death | October 24, 1972 |
| Net Worth (2024) | Not applicable |
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Website | Jackie Robinson Foundation |
As Robinson passed away before the advent of social media, he does not have personal accounts. However, the Jackie Robinson Foundation maintains an online presence to continue his legacy.
Latest News
In January 2025, a statue of Jackie Robinson was stolen from a public park in Wichita, Kansas. The incident has garnered national attention, with authorities seeking information to recover the monument honoring the baseball legend.
Physical Appearance
Jackie Robinson stood at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) tall and weighed approximately 204 pounds (93 kg) during his playing career. He was known for his athletic build, agility, and quick reflexes, which contributed to his exceptional performance on the baseball field.
Net Worth as of 2024
As of 2024, determining Jackie Robinson’s net worth is challenging due to the era in which he played and the lack of comprehensive financial records from that time. However, his impact on baseball and civil rights is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to influence generations.
During his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers (1947–1956), Robinson’s salary steadily increased, particularly after he won the National League MVP award in 1949. By 1952, he became one of the highest-paid players in baseball, earning an annual salary of approximately $39,750—which, when adjusted for inflation, would be around $450,000 in today’s dollars. However, this was still far below the earnings of modern baseball stars.
Post-Retirement Earnings and Financial Ventures
After retiring from baseball in 1956, Robinson transitioned into various business and media ventures to secure financial stability for his family. He worked as an executive for Chock Full o’ Nuts, becoming the first African American vice president of a major American corporation. Additionally, he was active in civil rights, writing newspaper columns and making public appearances, which contributed to his income.
Robinson also served on the board of directors for the NAACP and was involved in banking and real estate. He co-founded Freedom National Bank in Harlem, a Black-owned bank aimed at empowering African American businesses and individuals. These ventures helped sustain his family financially, though he never amassed wealth comparable to modern-day athletes.
The Value of His Estate and Legacy in 2024
Although Jackie Robinson passed away in 1972, his legacy has only grown in financial and cultural significance. His estate, managed by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, has continued to generate income through licensing deals, books, films, and memorabilia. Movies like 42 (2013), starring Chadwick Boseman, brought renewed attention to Robinson’s story, increasing the commercial value of his name and image.
While it’s impossible to assign an exact net worth to Robinson in 2024, analysts estimate that if he were playing in today’s era—with modern salaries, endorsements, and media opportunities—he could have been worth $100 million or more. However, his true wealth lies in his enduring impact on baseball, civil rights, and American history, making him one of the most influential figures in sports.
FAQs
Q: When did Jackie Robinson break the MLB color barrier?
A: Jackie Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, becoming the first African American player in modern Major League Baseball.
Q: What awards did Jackie Robinson receive during his career?
A: Robinson was a six-time All-Star, the 1947 Rookie of the Year, and the 1949 National League MVP.
Q: How is Jackie Robinson’s legacy honored today?
A: Major League Baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day annually on April 15, where all players wear his number, 42, to honor his contributions to the sport and civil rights.
Q: Did Jackie Robinson serve in the military?
A: Yes, Robinson served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1944 and was honorably discharged after facing and overcoming racial discrimination.
Q: What did Jackie Robinson do after retiring from baseball?
A: After retiring, Robinson became a civil rights activist, worked with the NAACP, and was involved in various business ventures.