Jackie Robinson 1956 Topps Gray Back Baseball Card #30. SGC 3. Very Good

Jackie Robinson transcended the game of baseball by breaking professional baseball’s color barrier and truly making baseball the national pastime. Robinson was selected from the Negro leagues (Kansas City Monarchs) not only for his athletic talents by owner Branch Rickey, but for his durability and composure while facing continued racial abuse from the public, team clubhouse and players throughout the league. Despite the racial tension, Robinson gained the support of teammates like Pee Wee Reese who said: "You can hate a man for many reasons. Color is not one of them." Robinson was further encouraged by players such as Hank Greenberg by overcoming his critics by defeating them and performing well on the field.

Robinson’s performance in 1947 awarded him rookie of the year, a 6 time All-Star, 1949 NL MVP and batting title. Since joining the Dodgers, Robinson led his team to six National League pennants and the 1955 World Series Championship. Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and his number 42 was retired from professional baseball on April 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of his first game in the major leagues.