1.  The youngest of 5 children and grew up in poverty in Pasadena  An accomplished tennis player  In 1945 signed a contract to play for the Kansas City Monarchs  Played Minor League Baseball for Montreal Royals in 1946  Called up to play for Brooklyn Dodgers in Major Leagues in 1947

2.  Won Rookie of the Year in 1947  A six time All-Star between the years 1949- 1954  First African American TV sports analyst  Added to Major League Baseball All Century Team in 1999 along with Cal Ripkin Jr, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, and Ty Cobb