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Jackie Robinson, born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, was an American professional baseball player who became a towering figure in the history of sports. He broke the color line in Major League Baseball when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, becoming the first African American to play in the major leagues in the 20th century. His courage and determination in facing extreme adversity and racial discrimination were not only groundbreaking but also instrumental in paving the way for other athletes of color. Robinson's early life was characterized by hardship and perseverance. After his father left the family, his mother moved them to Pasadena, California, where Robinson excelled in various sports during his school years. Despite the racial barriers he faced, Robinson attended Pasadena Junior College and later transferred to UCLA, where he became the first student to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. However, his college career was cut short due to financial difficulties. Robinson's professional career was marked by exceptional talent and tenacity. He played in six World Series and contributed to the Dodger's World Series victory in 1955. His athletic talents earned him numerous accolades, including Rookie of the Year in 1947, National League MVP in 1949, and six consecutive selections to the All-Star Games from 1949 to 1954. Off the field, he used his platform to advocate for civil rights, becoming a symbol of racial integration and progress. He continued to champion equality after retiring from baseball, serving as an executive for the Chock Full O'Nuts corporation and using his influence to establish the Freedom National Bank, an African-American owned financial institution based in Harlem, New York. Jackie Robinson passed away on October 24, 1972, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

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