April 15, 1947

Today, in 1947, baseball player Jackie Robinson debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers of Major League Baseball.

Following a good career in playing for Kansas City Monarchs of baseball's negro league, Robinson was signed by the Dodgers in 1946 at the age of 27.  Following a season playing minor league baseball in Canada, he debuted at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.  This made him the first baseball player to break the "color barrier."  As a result he is remembered as a true American hero.

In 1947, Robinson was named Rookie of the Year.  Following his rookie season he moved to second base where he spent most of his career.  In 1949, he was named MVP of the National League.  In 1955, the aging Robinson played a key roll in the Dodgers winning their only World Series title.

Following the 1956 season, the Dodgers sold Robinson to the New York Giants.  Instead of playing for a new team, the 6 time All-Star chose to retire.  He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-1956.

He was inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962, the first year he was eligable; this made him the first African-American to recieve this honor.  In 1972, his number (#42) was officially retired by the Dodgers.

On October 24, 1972, Jackie Robinson passed away at the age of 53 of a heart attack.

On April 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of his MLB debuted, his number was again retired.  This time however, it was retired by Major League Baseball.  On this date, the number 42 became the first number perminately retired by all Major League Baseball teams.  At every ballpark, #42 is among the retired numbers on the wall.  It will never again be worn at the highest baseball level.