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Born in Cairo, Georgia
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Family moved to California
Exact date of move is unknown. Only the year is known. -
Went to UCLA and lettered in four sports
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Played professional football for Honolulu Bears
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Drafted into the Army
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Honorable discharge from army
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Began baseball career with Kansas City Monarchs, a negro team
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Married Rachel Isum
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Became first black player to sign with MLB. Played for Brooklyn Dodgers
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Named National League's Most Valuable Player
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Name Rookie of the Year
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Traded to New York Giants but decided to retire from MLB
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Vocal supporter of Martin Luther King Jr in the 1950's and 1960's
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Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame
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Died of a heart attack