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Jackie Robinson
January 31, 2019, would have been Jackie Robinson’s 100th birthday. In honor of this occasion, here are some locations in New York City where you can walk in the footsteps of an American hero.
Ebbets Field
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball here at Ebbets Field.
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Orient Theatre
In 1952, Robinson opened a menswear and appliance store in a portion of this building which had previously housed the Orient Theatre.
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Rockefeller Center
Robinson became the Director of Community Activities for NBC’s new non-profit Music Foundation during the off-season in 1953. As director, he advocated for civil rights within the broadcasting, television, and music industries and often appeared on air.
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Hotel Bossert
The Marine Roof, the restaurant and club on the top floors of this hotel became an official hangout for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1955, Robinson and his teammates famously celebrated their World Series win over the Yankees here.
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Riverside Church
Following his death at age 53 on October 24, 1972, Robinson was eulogized by the Rev. Jesse Jackson in front of a crowd of 2,500 mourners.
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Jackie Robinson Park and Pool
This 1911 Harlem park was first called Colonial Park. The city named the complex (which included a WPA-built pool) for Robinson in 1978, and a bronze bust by Ruth Inge Hardison was installed in 1981.
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Holland Plaza Building
Following Robinson's death, his widow Rachel Robinson founded the Jackie Robinson Foundation. The foundation has opened a museum dedicated to the man and his place in American history which is located here at 75 Varick Street.
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