On January 31, 1919, a future legend and trailblazer was born in Cairo, Georgia. Jackie Robinson, who would grow up to redefine baseball and the course of history, arrived in a world where opportunities for African Americans were severely limited. Despite the odds, he rose to break barriers and become a symbol of courage and equality.

Jackie’s childhood was far from easy. Raised in Pasadena, California, after his father left, he faced challenges that could have easily deterred others. Yet, Jackie’s determination and resilience shone through. At UCLA, he made history as the first athlete to excel in four sports: baseball, football, basketball, and track. Jackie and his family moved to Harlem, New York, in 1947, and Jackie joined the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first African American in modern-day Major League Baseball. His experience was not just about playing baseball; it was about enduring endless racism, abusive language, and death threats.

Qualifying for National League rookies, he had a successful season and was awarded for being the National League Rookie of the Year. He received the Most Valuable Player award in the league two years later. He retired after 23 years of coaching baseball, but before he left the world of baseball, he earned six pennants and one World Series title for the Dodgers.

Jackie extended his influence right to the rim of the baseball field. He was one of those celebrities who took it to himself to fight for civil rights, illuminating the notion of equality. After his retirement, he continued to stay as involved as possible in the social causes for the rights and equality of blacks in America.

Every season, Major League Baseball marks a special day on its calendar: Jackie Robinson Day, celebrated on April 15. On this day, players across the league don Jackie’s iconic number 42 jersey. The jersey powerfully reminds us of Jackie’s courage and the doors he opened for countless others.