This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Monday, July 23, 1962

Robinson gets Hall of Fame nod

Jackie Robinson became the first black player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, getting 124 of a possible 160 votes. Robinson had been the first African-American to play in the major leagues, debuting with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He earned Rookie of the Year honors, batting .297 with 12 homers and 29 stolen bases and was named National League MVP in '49 after hitting a league-best .342 with 16 homers, 124 RBIs and 37 steals. As well, he helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title in 1955. Robinson had a .311 average in his 10 big-league seasons, but his induction was as much about his trailblazing as it was his on-field performance.