On 15 April 1947, Jackie Robinson ran onto Ebbets Field in Brooklyn as the starting first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers, the first Black player in the major leagues in the twentieth century, ending the segregation of baseball that had lasted since the 1880s. Dodgers president Branch Rickey had chosen him for his talent and ability to endure racial abuse without answering back. Taunts from opponents and fans, and death threats, did not stop him, and he was named Rookie of the Year in 1947 and Most Valuable Player in 1949. His number 42 was retired across the major leagues in 1997.
Before and after
- 25 March 1947Birth of Elton John
- 5 April 1947Birth of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
- 7 April 1947Death of Henry Ford
- 9 April 1947Founding of University of the Bío-Bío
- 15 April 1947Jackie Robinson breaks baseball's colour line
- 18 April 1947Discovery of Mrs. Ples
- 20 April 1947Founding of Fédération Internationale de Volleyball
- 25 April 1947Birth of Johan Cruyff
- from 28 April 1947 to 31 July 1947Operation Vistula
More in Society, economy & sport
- 7 April 1948Founding of World Health Organization
- 1950Origins of Formula One
- 8 August 1967Founding of ASEAN
- 10 December 1987Rise of Hamas
- 9 September 1999Founding of African Union
- from 15 November 2019 to 5 May 2023COVID-19 pandemic
The era
This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.