During their time in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, the Dodgers franchise has seen many baseball legends come and go. But perhaps no one shines brighter than Jackie Robinson.
While the likes of Sandy Koufax and Don Newcombe dominated from the mound, Robinson was placed all over the field and shined in the batter’s box. What’s more, his rise to stardom was not only a remarkable baseball accomplishment, but Robinson is responsible for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
Robinson made his MLB debut during the 1947 season, and was rewarded by the Dodgers with a $21,000 contract two years later. The contract would be worth $210,000 in today’s economy.
The 1949 contract Robinson signed was recently auctioned, per ESPN’s Darren Rovell:
Jackie Robinson’s 1949 contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers sold for $276,000 early Monday morning.
“Jackie Robinson is a name that transcends sports fandom, which gave this contract a broad appeal, and bidders clamored for an opportunity to acquire such a historic piece,” said Brian Dwyer, president of Robert Edward Auctions, which sold the document.
That unique piece of history has been seen in many photographs during Robinson’s career, including the iconic picture of him shaking hands with former Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey.
Robinson went on to win the 1949 MVP Award, hitting .342/.432/.528 with 16 home runs and finishing with 124 RBIs and 37 stolen bases. In 10 years with the Dodgers, Robinson batted .311/.409/.474 with 273 doubles, 137 home runs, 734 RBIs and 197 stolen bases.
He received the ultimate individual honor a professional athlete could receive earlier this season, when the Dodgers erected their first statue at Dodger Stadium. Robinson’s widow, Rachel, other family members, Vin Scully and Dodgers personnel were on hand for the unveiling.
