Jackie Robinson debuts at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first Black player in the modern major leagues.
At a Glance
- Date
- 15 April 1947
- Location
- Brooklyn, New York
- Key people
- Jackie Robinson, Branch Rickey
- Category
- Sports
- Source
- Game records, April 15, 1947 · National Baseball Hall of Fame
What It Meant Then
It shattered baseball's color line and became a landmark of integration before the wider movement.
What It Means Now
April 15 is celebrated annually as Jackie Robinson Day, with every player wearing number 42.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Jackie Robinson Breaks Baseball's Color Barrier.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/jackie-robinson-breaks-baseballs-color-barrier/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Jackie Robinson Breaks Baseball's Color Barrier. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/jackie-robinson-breaks-baseballs-color-barrier/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Jackie Robinson Breaks Baseball's Color Barrier.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/jackie-robinson-breaks-baseballs-color-barrier/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.