In Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is given annually to two outstanding rookie players, one each for the American League and National League, as voted on by the Baseball Writers' A
Jackie Robinson, the inaugural winner in 1947 and eventual namesake of the award
Cal Ripken Jr. won in 1982, and is one of 21 Hall of Famers to win Rookie of the Year honors.
Jackie Robinson
Videos
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was an American professional baseball player who was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. Robinson broke the color line when he starte
Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award
…was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946. The award became national in 1947; Jackie Robinson, the Brooklyn Dodgers' second baseman, won the inaugural award. One award was presented for all of MLB in 1947 and 1948; since 1949, the honor has been…
Robinson with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949
Robinson, wearing his Army uniform, receives a military salute from his nephew Frank during a visit to his home in Pasadena, California, c. 1943
Robinson doing the long jump for UCLA
Robinson during his stint in the Negro leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs