This past weekend was the 60th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson not only breaking into Major League Baseball, but breaking the color barrier, which opened the door to millions of athletes all across America. In honor of this date, and his memory, more than 200 Major League Baseball players honored Jackie Robinson by wearing his number, 42. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born Jan. 31, 1919 in Cairo Georgia, and passed away Oct. 24, 1972. During his baseball career he managed a .311 batting average, was voted 1947 rookie of the Year, 1949 National League MVP, and helped his team go on to win the World Series.
When he retired, he was selected for the Hall of Fame his first year of eligibility. Robinson passed away before he got to see what seed he really sowed. Although African Americans make up eight percent of the Major League Baseball population, we must not give up hope. Many African American athletes are currently writing their name in the history books, and some will hopefully become heroes, but Jackie Robinson is a legend that will never be forgotten.