In 1947, Jack Roosevelt “Jackie” Robinson became the first African-American baseball player to play in Major League Baseball since the 1880’s.  Mr. “42”, made widely known for his number 42 players jersey, was the first Black baseball player to integrate the league when he signed on with the Brooklyn Dodgers franchise team.  Often credited as the person who desegregated baseball, Jackie was also instrumental in the fight for civil rights.

 

For the millions of baseball fans who admired him, and the younger generation who has no idea who he is, a film based on his life and career is scheduled to be released in April 2013.  The film, which is directed by Brian Hegleland and will star Chadwick Boseman as Jackie, will give all an inside look on the man, the myth, and the legacy.  The film will also star Harrison Ford, Christoper Maloni, T.R. Knight, Lucas Black, and Nicole Beharie.

 

Peep the trailer below:

 

Jackie Robinson passed away at the age of 53.  But during his legendary career, Jackie played in six World Series games and led the Dodgers to victory in the 1955 World Series. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962 and was honored with having his number “42” permanently retired by the MLB in 1997.  After retiring from the league, Jackie went on to become the first black baseball analyst in MLB. Also, as one of his most notable achievements outside of baseball, Jackie became the first black vice-president of a major American corporation.

 

 

Video Source:  WSHH