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News, Blog and GuidesA living milestone for racial equality, Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play MLB and to lead the Dodgers to their 1955 World Series win.
Reem AbdalazemUpdate: Oct 27th, 2021 08:21 EDT
Kevin C. CoxAFP
Jackie Robinson’s legendary career spanned 10 years with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, leading them to the World Series six times, and winning the 1955 World Series against the New York Yankees.
1955 was the first time the Dodgers won against the Yankees while they were still based in Brooklyn, before they relocated to Los Angeles in 1958. The Yankees won every other Series, from 1947-1953.
Robinson didn’t only lead the Dodgers to their historic title, but he was also a pivotal turning point in the sport of baseball forever.
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Who is Jackie Robinson?
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League baseball, and break the sport’s color line, in 1947. When the Dodgers signed Robinson, the era of racial segregation ended in the sport, and he became a living milestone for racial equality.
That same year, Robinson won the Rookie of the Year Award, and the Most Valuable Player Award in 1949. He then went on to earn the World Series title in 1955, along with his team.
A few years later, in 1962, Robinson was inducted to the Hall of Fame.
Hall-of-Famer, Jackie Robinson
It is fair to wonder whether Robinson was elected into the Hall of Fame for his performance or for his racial impact on the sport. The truth is, Robinson wasn’t just a source of inspiration and motivation, he was a great baseball player.
In his 10-season career, Robinson hit .311 with 137 home runs, and excellent defense. Referencing Baseball’s Wins Above Replacement, Jackie Robinson retired with a 61.7 career WAR, which puts him closely above the best third baseman in big-league history, Sal Bando. Robinson is ranked 25th on the all-time list.
