Jackie Robinson — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Jackie Robinson.
1919
Born on January 31 in Cairo, Georgia
1939
Enrolled at UCLA, becoming one of the first African Americans to attend the university
1942
Drafted into the U.S. Army; commissioned as a second lieutenant
1945
Signed by the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues
1947
Signed by Brooklyn Dodgers organization; debuted in Major League Baseball on April 15, breaking the color barrier
1949
Named National League MVP and won the batting title
1955
Won the World Series championship with the Brooklyn Dodgers
1956
Retired from Major League Baseball with a lifetime batting average of .311
1962
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility
1972
Died on October 24 in Stamford, Connecticut, at age 53