How Did Jackie Robinson Die? | The US Sun

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Every year, baseball honours a true legend of the sport when it celebrates Jackie Robinson’s Day.

But who is Jackie Robinson and how did he die? Here is what you need to know.

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Jackie Robinson was an American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in MLB.

He made his first appearance in the league for the Brooklyn Dodgers when he started at first base on April 15, 1947.

His signing played a significant role in ending racial segregation in the sport as previously African Americans could only compete in Negro leagues.

During his 10-year MLB career, Robinson would go onto win six World Series as he contributed to the Dodgers 1955 World Series Championship.

In 1997, MLB retired his uniform number 42 across all major teams to honor the impact of the legacy he left on sport.

On April 15, 2004, marking the 57th anniversary of Robinson’s historic debut, the league introduced a new annual tradition known as Jackie Robinson’s Day.

On this day every player, as well as coaches, umpires and sometimes even fans, wear the jersey number 42 – just as Robinson did all those years ago.

How did Jackie Robinson die?

Jackie Robinson died on October 24, 1972 at the age of 53 after he had suffered a heart attack at his home in Conneiticut.

On the day of his funeral, tens of thousands of people lined the street to pay their respects to the former baseball player.

Following his death in 1972, Robinson was awarded both the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his achievements on and off the field.

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On Jackie Robinson’s Day 2021, a statement on the MLB website said that Robinson will not only be remembered for his inspiring and historic career, but for his courage and strength amid challenges he faced as he broke baseball’s color barrier.

They added that he will be remembered for “his actions as a social advocate, civil rights icon, and for his continued impact on our sport and society.”

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