Why Jackie is Important
Jackie's impact on the game of baseball helped immensely with the segregation of baseball. If Jackie would have just came into MLB and had a normal career the segregation in baseball may not be the same as it is today. Jackie's career consisted of numerous All Star Games, a National League MVP, Rookie of the Year, and was part of six World Series teams. Jackie was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962. Jackie was also nominated for non-baseball awards which included the Presidential Medal of Honor and the Congressional Gold Medal. Jackie's number 42 was retired from MLB on April 15, 1997, on Robinson's 50th anniversary of joining MLB.
Jackie was the first African American to win the Rookie of the Year award, the first to win the MVP award, and the first to get his number retired.
