Jackie Robinson’s house in Brooklyn, New York, is a modest yet historically significant property that played a crucial role in the life of the baseball legend who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier. This article delves into the details of Jackie Robinson’s house, its history, and its importance in preserving the legacy of one of America’s most influential athletes and civil rights pioneers. If you’re interested in learning about Bernie Kosar House be sure to check out this article.
Who is Jackie Robinson?
Jackie Robinson was a trailblazing African American baseball player who made history when he became the first Black athlete to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. He broke the color barrier when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Robinson’s impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond, as he became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and a successful businessman after his playing career.
During his 10-year MLB career, Robinson achieved numerous accolades, including winning the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award in 1947, being selected as an All-Star for six consecutive seasons from 1949 through 1954, and earning the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949. He played in six World Series and contributed to the Dodgers’ 1955 World Series championship.
After retiring from baseball, Robinson continued to make significant contributions off the field. He became the first Black television analyst in MLB and the first Black vice president of a major American corporation, Chock full o’Nuts. Robinson also helped establish the Freedom National Bank, an African American-owned financial institution based in Harlem, New York.
At the time of his death in 1972, Jackie Robinson’s net worth was estimated at $6 million when adjusted for inflation. While this figure may seem modest compared to today’s professional athletes, it’s important to consider the context of the era in which Robinson played and the societal barriers he faced.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jack Roosevelt Robinson |
| Born | January 31, 1919 |
| Died | October 24, 1972 (aged 53) |
| Birthplace | Cairo, Georgia |
| MLB Debut | April 15, 1947, for the Brooklyn Dodgers |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 10, 1956, for the Brooklyn Dodgers |
| MLB Statistics | Batting average: .311, Home runs: 137, Runs batted in: 734 |
| Career Highlights | 6× All-Star (1949–1954), World Series champion (1955), NL MVP (1949), MLB Rookie of the Year (1947), NL batting champion (1949), 2× NL stolen base leader (1947, 1949) |
| Jersey Number | 42 (Retired by all MLB teams) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 1962 |
| Post-Baseball Career | Business executive, civil rights activist |
| Notable Awards | Congressional Gold Medal, Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| Net Worth at Time of Death | Estimated $6 million (adjusted for inflation) |
Where Does Jackie Robinson Live Now?
Jackie Robinson passed away on October 24, 1972, at the age of 53. His final residence was at 95 Cascade Road in North Stamford, Connecticut. However, for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on his historically significant home in Brooklyn, New York, where he lived during his early years with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Jackie Robinson House
The Jackie Robinson House is a historic property located at 5224 Tilden Avenue in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. This modest two-story brick duplex holds immense historical significance as it was Jackie Robinson’s home during a crucial period of his groundbreaking baseball career.
1. Where Is Jackie Robinson House?
The Jackie Robinson House is situated at 5224 Tilden Avenue, at the southwest corner of Tilden Avenue and East 53rd Street in Brooklyn, New York. This location placed Robinson in the heart of Brooklyn during his early years with the Dodgers, allowing him to be close to Ebbets Field, where the team played their home games.
The house’s location in East Flatbush is significant because it represents the challenges Robinson faced in finding housing due to racial discrimination. When Robinson was called up to the major leagues, he and his wife Rachel had difficulty securing a place to live in Brooklyn because of widespread racism. The Tilden Avenue house was eventually secured as a rental by a friend, providing the Robinsons with a home base during this historic period.
2. Features of Jackie Robinson House
The Jackie Robinson House is a modest two-story brick duplex, reflecting the typical architectural style of many Brooklyn homes built in the early 20th century. The structure is believed to have been constructed between 1912 and 1916, predating Robinson’s occupancy by several decades.
The duplex consists of two side-by-side units, each two bays wide. The entrance to each unit is set in the right-hand bay. Jackie Robinson’s unit, number 5224, is the left (east) unit of the duplex. It features a band of three sash windows in the left bay, topped by a porch with a wooden railing and metal awning supported by decorative metal supports.
The house’s design is simple and functional, lacking the grand features one might expect for a sports star of Robinson’s caliber. However, this simplicity reflects the reality of the times and the barriers that even celebrated Black athletes faced in housing and other aspects of daily life.
3. Personal House Touches
While specific details about personal touches Jackie Robinson may have added to the house are not widely documented, we can infer a few aspects based on the era and Robinson’s circumstances:
- Family Photos: Given the historical significance of Robinson’s career, it’s likely that he and Rachel displayed photos of their achievements and growing family.
- Baseball Memorabilia: As Robinson’s career progressed, he likely accumulated various baseball-related items that may have been displayed in the home.
- Civil Rights Literature: Known for his activism, Robinson probably had books and materials related to the civil rights movement.
- Nursery Setup: The Robinsons’ first child, Jackie Jr., was born in 1946, so they likely set up a nursery in the house.
- Comfort Upgrades: To make the modest home more comfortable, the Robinsons may have invested in furniture and appliances that were modern for the time.
4. House Amenities
While the specific amenities of the Jackie Robinson House during his occupancy are not extensively documented, we can list some features that were likely present in a typical Brooklyn home of that era:
- Kitchen with basic appliances
- Living room
- Dining area
- Bedrooms (likely 2-3)
- Bathroom
- Basement
- Small yard or outdoor space
- Heating system (likely radiator heat)
- Porch or stoop
5. Neighborhood Area
The East Flatbush neighborhood where the Jackie Robinson House is located was, and still is, a predominantly African American community. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, when Robinson lived there, the area was experiencing significant demographic changes as more Black families moved in, often facing discrimination and challenges in finding housing.
The neighborhood’s proximity to Ebbets Field, where the Brooklyn Dodgers played, made it a convenient location for Robinson. It was about a 10-minute drive or a short subway ride to the ballpark, allowing Robinson easy access to his workplace.
East Flatbush was, and continues to be, a vibrant, working-class neighborhood with a strong sense of community. The area is known for its row houses and small apartment buildings, creating a dense urban environment typical of many Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Today, the neighborhood around the Jackie Robinson House has evolved but still retains much of its character. It’s a diverse area with a mix of long-time residents and newcomers, reflecting Brooklyn’s ongoing changes and growth.
Market Value
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Build Year | c. 1912-1916 |
| Purchase Year by Robinsons | 1947 (rental) |
| Purchase Value | N/A (rental property) |
| Sale Year | 2016 |
| Sale Price | $421,000 |
| Recent Sale Year | 2017 |
| Recent Sale Price | $900,000 |
| Current Estimated Value (2025) | Approximately $1.2 million – $1.5 million |
It’s important to note that the value of the Jackie Robinson House has increased significantly over the years, not just due to the general rise in Brooklyn real estate prices, but also because of its historical significance. The house’s connection to Jackie Robinson adds considerable value beyond its physical attributes.
Jackie Robinson’s Real Estate Portfolio
While the Tilden Avenue house in Brooklyn is the most famous of Jackie Robinson’s residences, he lived in several other notable locations throughout his life:
- Pasadena, California: Robinson grew up in Pasadena, where his family moved when he was a young child. The exact address is not widely publicized, but this was his childhood home.
- 5224 Tilden Avenue, Brooklyn, New York: This is the famous Jackie Robinson House, where he lived from 1947 to 1949 during his early years with the Dodgers.
- 112-40 177th Street, Addisleigh Park, Queens, New York: The Robinsons moved to this home in 1949 and lived there until 1955. This house was in a more upscale neighborhood that had recently lifted racial restrictions on homeownership.
- 95 Cascade Road, North Stamford, Connecticut: This was Robinson’s final home, where he lived from the late 1950s until his death in 1972. The property included six acres of land and was where Robinson spent his later years.
Each of these homes represents a different chapter in Jackie Robinson’s life, from his youth in California to his groundbreaking years in Brooklyn, his success allowing a move to a more affluent area in Queens, and finally, his retirement years in Connecticut.
Conclusion
The Jackie Robinson House at 5224 Tilden Avenue in Brooklyn stands as a powerful symbol of both progress and the challenges faced by African Americans in mid-20th century America. This modest duplex was home to one of the most influential figures in sports and civil rights history during a pivotal time in his career and in the nation’s history.
From this humble abode, Robinson embarked on his journey to break baseball’s color barrier and challenge deeply ingrained racial prejudices. The house serves as a tangible reminder of the personal sacrifices and everyday struggles Robinson faced while making history on the baseball diamond.
Today, the Jackie Robinson House continues to be a point of interest for baseball fans, history enthusiasts, and civil rights advocates. Its preservation ensures that future generations can connect with the legacy of a man who changed not just a sport, but a nation. As we reflect on Jackie Robinson’s impact, his Brooklyn home stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, courage, and the pursuit of equality.
