Baseball pioneer and hero Jack Roosevelt Robinson (1919–1972) was born in Cairo, Georgia. The extraordinary African American was a four-sport athlete at UCLA and an Army officer in World War II. He is best known for breaking the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

“I believe in the goodness of a free society. And I believe that society can remain good only as long as we are willing to fight for it—and to fight against whatever imperfections may exist,” he said.

Robinson was named Rookie of the Year in 1947 and MVP in 1949. On the field, the courageous athlete endured racial name-calling and cruelty from fans and players. With pride and calm, he let his magnificent hitting, base running, and fielding speak for who he was—a man of great decency and talent.

Of the abuse, he said, “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”

The only player in Major League Baseball history whose number—42—was retired by every team, Robinson held a .311 career average, led the Dodgers to six pennants, and was one of the few players who could steal home.

“A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives,” said the man who changed the world with his competitive grace and passion. On this day in 1962, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame—the first African American ever elected.