Jackie Robinson is one of the most iconic figures in American sports history. He was the first African American to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919 and grew up in Pasadena, California. He attended UCLA, where he became the first athlete to letter in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track.

Robinson was drafted by the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues in 1945, but instead chose to sign with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He made his Major League debut on April 15, 1947, and was an immediate success. Robinson was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1947, and went on to be named an All-Star in six of his ten seasons in the majors. He was also the National League MVP in 1949.

Robinson was a dynamic player, both on the field and off. He was a great hitter, with a career batting average of .311, and he was also a great base stealer, leading the league in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949. He was also an excellent fielder, winning the first-ever Gold Glove Award in 1957.

Off the field, Robinson was a civil rights activist. He was a vocal advocate for racial equality, and his courage in the face of racism and bigotry was an inspiration to many. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, and his number, 42, has been retired by every Major League team.

Jackie Robinson's legacy is one of courage, determination, and perseverance. He changed the face of baseball, and his impact on the game and on society as a whole is still felt today.