Today is Jackie Robinson day. All MLB players will wear the number 42 to honor him. Jackie endured so much and today anyone can play baseball the only measurement is skill. Here are some interesting facts about the life of Jackie Robinson.

While serving in the army, Jackie was arrested and courtmartialed for refusing to give up his seat and move to the back of a segregated bus. He was acquitted of the charges and received an honorable discharge.

While the manger and owner were supportive, many team mates and opposing players were not and refused to play or used racial slurs. His family received death threats.

In spite of all this, In 1947 he won Rookie of the year and in 1949 was the NL MVP. He played for 10 yrs and retired with a batting average of .311

After baseball, Jackie served of the board of the NAACP until 1967.

In 1972, the Dodgers retired 42.

On October 24, 1972, Jackie Robinson died of complications from diabetes and heart disease. After his death, his widow Rachel created the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

For more information go to:
http://www.jackierobinson.org/

Source: http://www.biography.com/people/jackie-robinson-9460813