Jackie Robinson Biography: Age, Brother, Real Name, Height, Kids, Parents, Nationality, Wife, Death

Jack Roosevelt Robinson also known as Jackie Robinson remains one of the most influential figures in American sports history, celebrated as the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

His courage in breaking the color barrier amid intense racism and threats opened doors for generations of Black athletes, while his on-field skills earned him Rookie of the Year honors and a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Profile

• Full Name: Jack Roosevelt Robinson
• Stage Name: Jackie Robinson
• Born: January 31, 1919
• Died: October 24, 1972 (Age 53 years old)
• Birthplace: Cairo, Georgia, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Professional Baseball Player, Civil Rights Activist
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Parents: Jerry Robinson (father), Mallie Robinson (mother)
• Siblings: Edgar, Frank, Mack, and Willa Mae
• Spouse: Rachel Isum Robinson
• Children: Three
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $6 million USD

Early Life and Education

Jackie Robinson, a talented professional baseball player and civil rights activist, was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia.

He grew up as the youngest of five children in a sharecropping family, with his parents Jerry and Mallie Robinson facing hardship when his father left shortly after his birth.

His mother relocated the family to Pasadena, California, in 1920, where they settled in a mostly white neighborhood and endured racism.

Encouraged by his brothers, including Mack, an Olympic silver medalist, Jackie excelled in multiple sports at John Muir High School, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and track.

Career

Jackie Robinson‘s professional journey began after leaving UCLA, playing semi-pro football briefly before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1942, where he served as a second lieutenant and faced a court-martial for refusing segregated seating on a bus-charges later dismissed with an honorable discharge in 1944.

He joined the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues that year, catching the eye of Brooklyn Dodgers executive Branch Rickey, who signed him in 1945 for the Montreal Royals minor league team.

Robinson’s debut with the Dodgers on April 15, 1947, broke MLB’s color barrier, as he batted .297 with 29 stolen bases, leading the league and earning the inaugural Rookie of the Year award.

Over 10 seasons with Brooklyn (1947-1956), he switched positions fluidly, mainly at second base, posting a .311 career average, 137 home runs, 734 RBIs, and 197 stolen bases.

He led the National League in batting (.342) and steals (37) in 1949, winning MVP that year, and helped the Dodgers claim their first World Series in 1955 against the Yankees. Post-retirement, Robinson worked as vice president for Chock full o’Nuts, the first Black executive at a major corporation, and advocated for civil rights, testifying before Congress in 1950 and supporting Martin Luther King Jr.

Social Media

Jackie Robinson does not have social media accounts

Personal Life

Jackie Robinson, a talented professional baseball player and civil rights activist, at 53 years old when he passed, built a strong family with wife Rachel Isum, whom he met at UCLA and married on February 10, 1946.

They raised three children-Jackie Jr. (born 1946), Sharon (born 1950), and David (born 1952)-in a home that shielded them from racism while fostering resilience.

He stood at 5 feet 11 inches tall. The family endured death threats and slurs during his career, but Rachel’s support was key, later founding the Jackie Robinson Foundation in 1973 after his death.

Tragically, son Jackie Jr. died in a car accident in 1971 at age 24. Robinson battled diabetes, which led to blindness and a heart attack on October 24, 1972.

His Christian faith and family values guided him through challenges, from Army service to activism.

Net Worth

Jackie Robinson, a talented professional baseball player and civil rights activist, had his wealth estimated at $6 million USD at the time of his death in 1972.

This built from MLB salaries peaking at $35,000 annually (high for the era), endorsements, and business roles like vice president at Chock full o’Nuts.

Post-career activism and investments added to it, though adjusted for inflation, his impact far exceeds financial measures through foundations and honors.