Jackie Robinson Day Date in the current year: April 15, 2024

Jackie Robinson was born in 1919. He began playing baseball in high school and continued his athletic career at Pasadena Junior College and UCLA. In 1945, he was offered to play professional baseball in the Negro leagues. A year later, he debuted in minor leagues.

Finally, in 1947 the Brooklyn Dodgers (now Los Angeles Dodgers) called Robinson up to the major league. He made his debut on Opening Day in 1947, which fell on April 15. Robinson's major league debut ended put an end to about eight decades of baseball color line (racial segregation in professional baseball). In 1962, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, honored for his accomplishments with the number 42 jersey.

The first ever Jackie Robinson Day was held in 2004. It started an annual tradition. On this day, the gala is celebrated at ballparks across the United States by Major League team players. All uniformed players, coaches and umpires wear number 42 on their jerseys to commemorate Robinson.