Jackie Robinson lifespan at a glance
Jackie Robinson was alive from January 31, 1919 to October 24, 1972. He was born in Cairo, Georgia, and died at age 53 in Connecticut. His public life is most closely associated with breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. This overview clarifies his dates of birth and death and contextualizes the span of his life and career for readers seeking factual status information.
Key biographical dates for Jackie Robinson
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 31, 1919 | Birth | Start of life; foundational date for timelines |
| April 15, 1947 | MLB debut with Brooklyn Dodgers | Broke the color barrier in modern professional baseball |
| October 24, 1972 | Death | End of life; he was 53 years old |
| 1962 | Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame | Recognition of lasting impact on sport and society |
| 1970s | Active in civil rights and business ventures | Extended impact beyond baseball during his lifetime |
When was Jackie Robinson alive: a direct answer
Jackie Robinson was alive for a finite span in the 20th century. He was born on January 31, 1919, and died on October 24, 1972. These dates bracket a life that spanned 53 years. He spent the middle decades of the 100-year period from his birth to roughly 2020 shaping American society through athletics, activism, and business. Outside of baseball, his work in civil rights continued through the 1950s and 1960s, and his voice remained influential until his death at age 53.
Clarifying status and common confusion points
Because Jackie Robinson remains a widely referenced figure, status questions often arise about whether he is alive or deceased. He is deceased; he died in 1972. Some confusion can stem from commemorations, documentaries, or annual celebrations of his debut that may feel present-tense. These honor his legacy but do not change the verified fact of his death. No credible sources claim he is alive today.
Notable details across his lifespan
Robinson’s life is bookended by two important dates: his birth in 1919 and his death in 1972. Between those dates, he served in the military, starred in baseball at UCLA, played in the Negro Leagues, and integrated Major League Baseball. His civil rights advocacy extended into the 1960s, and he remained in the public eye through writing, broadcasting, and business. Understanding the timeline of his life helps clarify both his achievements and the period during which he was actually alive.
Comparing career eras to his lifespan
Placing Robinson’s career and activism within the arc of his life makes it easier to interpret historical references. He was in his late 20s when he debuted in MLB and played through his mid-30s. Most of his notable public work occurred before he turned 50. After retiring from baseball, he continued advocacy and business pursuits until his health declined in the early 1970s, leading to his death at age 53.
Verifying dates and sources
Biographical details for Jackie Robinson are well documented. Birth and death dates are recorded in authoritative sources including the Baseball Hall of Fame, Library of Congress, and major biographies. Cross-referencing these records confirms he was alive for the 53 years between 1919 and 1972. Consistent documentation supports the reliability of these dates for public use.