In 1997, Major League Baseball retired Jackie Robinson’s number 42. “Retiring” a number is an honor and means it can no longer be used. No player on any team can wear the number 42 because Jackie Robinson wore 42 when he played baseball in the 1940s and 1950s.

Jackie Robinson was the first African American man to play in Major League Baseball. In the 1940s and 1950s, African Americans were not welcomed in some places. As Jackie traveled to different cities, people would call him names just because of the color of his skin. Jackie carried on and showed incredible bravery through it all. He became a hall-of-fame player and even led his team, the Brooklyn Dodgers, to a World Series Championship. Jackie’s courage made it so other African Americans could play in the Major Leagues.

Why was number “42” retired?
1. Because Jackie Robinson was a Hall-of-Fame baseball player
2. Because Jackie Robinson was sometimes treated badly when he played baseball
3. Because Jackie Robinson was African American
4. To honor Jackie Robinson and the courage he showed
Who can wear number 42 in baseball today?
1. All-star players
2. African American Players
3. No one
4. Players that show courage
Because of Jackie Robinson…
1. other baseball players can wear number 42 proudly.
2. other African Americans could play Major League baseball.
3. bravery is honored in Major League baseball.
4. the Baseball Hall-of-Fame opened.
Why did people call Jackie Robinson names?
1. They did not think he was a good baseball player
2. They did not like him because he wore number 42
3. They did not like him because of the color of his skin
4. They did not like him because he was on the Brooklyn Dodgers