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April 15, 1947: Jackie Robinson makes his Major League debut

sportsApr 15, 20261156,154

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson, 28, became the first African American player in modern Major League Baseball when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. Dodgers executive Branch Rickey signed Robinson to integrate the league, and Robinson endured jeering, death threats, and organized resistance from opponents and some teammates during his rookie season. Major League Baseball honored Robinson's legacy by retiring his number 42 across all teams on April 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of his debut.

Key Highlights

Jackie Robinson, 28, started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.
Robinson endured jeering, death threats, and organized resistance during his rookie season.
Major League Baseball retired Robinson's number 42 across all teams on April 15, 1997.
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