Timeline

1947

Jackie Robinson, the first black player in the US Major Leagues, enters the sport. Brooklyn fans respond. The Dodgers draw 1,807, 562 fans that year and "Dem Bums" as they were lovingly called, make it to the World Series after their best season ever.

1949

With Robinson's best season, hitting .342, and having 124 RBIs, he leads the League in stolen bases and is named the League's Most Valuable Player.

He was then invited to testify to the House Un-American Activities Committee because Paul Robeson (a then renowned actor) claims that in the event of war, black Americans will not fight against the Soviet Union, because "... they loved Russia so much." Jackie's testimony, marked by his usual eloquence, addresses the unfounded comment, reaffirming any questioned commitment to American ideals. Jackie also takes the opportunity to make it clear that he intends to continue his fight against racial discrimination in the U.S.

1950

Receives a $35,000 salary; it is the highest in Dodger history.

1957

Jackie Robinson is to be traded to the Dodgers' arch National League rival, the New York Giants.. The Giants offer Jackie $60,000 and by December the trade becomes final.

1958

Jackie Robinson decides to leave baseball. He is 38 years old and has enjoyed a great 10-year career.

Jackie Robinson becomes Vice President in charge of personnel of Chock Full o' Nuts, at a salary of $50,000 a year.

1959

The formal desegregation of Major and Minor League baseball is completed.

1960

In the 1960 election, Robinson meets with both Nixon and Kennedy. Jackie has a private breakfast meeting with Kennedy and decides against supporting him because Kennedy has not looked Robinson in the eyes. So, Robinson backs Nixon instead, thinking they share the same ideals on integration. When Nixon finally is elected, Jackie retracts his support by saying, "Nixon is not the president of 100% of the people."

1962

Inducted into the Hall of Fame.

1968

Jackie becomes disillusioned with politics and steps away from the spotlight with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. His faith in the system is temporarily revived when he goes to work for the NY governor Nelson Rockefeller and serves as a special assistant. When Rockefeller's bid for the Republican Presidential nomination is rejected, diabetes develops into heart disease for Robinson.

1971

Tragedy strikes their family as their oldest son is killed in a car accident. The stress worsens Jackie's condition.

1972

Jackie Robinson dies of a heart attack at his home.

1986

Robinson is posthumously awarded the highest civilian honor: The Medal of Freedom, accepted by his wife on behalf of her late husband as it is presented by the then president, Ronald Reagan.