The Jackie Robinson Stamp Part II of II

In continuation from Monday’s post.

Jackie Robinson was drafted in the Army in 1942, but did not see combat. He became part of the 761st “Black Panthers” Tank Battalion. His unit eventually became the first black tank unit to see combat. Robinson had some trouble while in the Army. A white bus driver had ordered him to the back of the bus, but when he refused, he was arrested by the MP’s and transferred to another battalion. His charges were eventually reduced to insubordination and shortly thereafter, he received an honorable discharge.

Robinson joined the Dodgers Triple A farm team in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was debuted on March 17, 1946 in an exhibition game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson became the first African American player in the Major League in 1947. Jackie’s appearance in the major league ended 80 years of racial segregation in baseball, known as the Baseball Color Line.

Robinson was the first Rookie of the Year and earned six consecutive All Star Game nominations of which he won several. He also played in the World Series six times. In 1982, Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Robinson died on October 24, 1972. He was a civil rights leader and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal posthumously. On the 50 year anniversary of his debut in baseball, his number, “42”, was retired by Major League Baseball.

Without a doubt, Jackie Robinson’s accomplishments, both on and off the field, helped bridge the gap of the racial divide in America.