On April 15, Major League Baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day. On that day 66 years ago, Robinson broke the baseball color line and became the first African American to play on a major sports team. Today, 42â??a biopic about the Baseball Hall of Famer and civil rights pioneer, whose jersey was emblazoned with the number 42â??hits theaters. Here are 42 facts to celebrate.
1. Jack "Jackie" Roosevelt Robinson was born January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Ga. Shortly after his birth, his family moved and settled in Pasadena, Calif.
2. President Theodore Roosevelt, who died 25 days before Robinson was born, was the inspiration for his middle name.
3. He was the youngest of five childrenâ??Edgar, Frank, Matthew â??Mack,â? and Willa Maeâ??and grew up in relative poverty in a well-off community in Pasadena.
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