In honor of the Colorado Rockies quest for their first World Series title, we look back at one of baseball's greats. Jackie Robinson threw out the first ceremonial pitch in the second game of the World Series on this day in 1972. The game also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the breaking of the "color line." Robinson became the first African-American in the 20th century to play Major League Baseball. On April 15, 1947, Robinson played his rookie season for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated every April 15th. In 2005, Robinson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to civil rights and sports. Just nine days after the ceremonial pitch, on October 24, 1972, Robinson died of a heart attack.
For more information on Jackie Robinson and his career, check out "Baseball and Jackie Robinson" from the Library of Congress American Memory and his biography from the The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Want more information? Check out the library's guides on Black History and Civil Rights.
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