Jackie Robinson Net Worth: Jackie Robinson Statue Stolen from Kansas Park

Jackie Robinson net worth: Jack Roosevelt Robinson, professionally known as Jackie Robinson, was a famous American professional baseball player. He was born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. According to various sources, Jackie Robinson’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million at the time of his death, considering changes in the value of money over time.

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball in 1947. He broke the color barrier, opening doors for other black players to join the league. He played his entire career for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Jackie Robinson’s statue in a Wichita, Kansas, park faced damage as it was cut off at the ankles, leaving only the feet. Unfortunately, the statue was later destroyed after a nearby trash fire. Despite this, city officials have revealed their intention to replace it with a new statue that closely resembles the original.

Jackie Robinson statue stolen from Kansas Park

A valuable statue of Jackie Robinson was stolen from a public park in Kansas, leading to a citywide search and public outrage in Wichita. The statue, dedicated to the first player to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, was captured being hauled away in surveillance footage. The thieves cut the statue at the ankles for removal, leaving only Robinson’s feet.

Footage shows Jackie Robinson statue getting stolen from McAdams Park in Wichita (2024) pic.twitter.com/H6OqydKHdf

— GDTV (@groundeadtv) January 26, 2024

Wichita Police Update on Stolen Jackie Robinson Statue

Andrew Ford, a public information officer with the Wichita Police Department, reported that at 8:38 in the morning, the fire department received a call about a trash can fire at Garvey Park. Upon arrival, they extinguished the fire and discovered pieces of the Jackie Robinson statue, which were not salvageable.

The police and fire departments are investigating the incident, conducting interviews, and seeking video footage from the community to track down those responsible. League 42 has set up a GoFundMe page for rebuilding the statue, expressing determination to restore it for the community and young people to enjoy. Councilman Johnson urged contributions to the GoFundMe for rebuilding, emphasizing the community’s resilience.

Chief Sullivan assured that arrests would be made, and investigators are working intensively on the case. The Wichita Metro Crime Commission offered rewards for tips leading to arrests and the statue’s recovery. The statue, valued at $75,000, was a centerpiece at the League 42 ballpark facility, supporting kids with limited access to organized sports.

The incident was deemed heartbreaking, with plans to erect a new statue in a matter of months. The original mold by artist John Parsons remains viable, ensuring a similar statue’s creation.

Jackie Robinson Net Worth

Early Life, Education, and Starting Career

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in 1919 in Georgia to Mallie and Jerry Robinson. After his father left in 1920, the family moved to Pasadena, California, settling on Pepper Street. Despite economic challenges, Jackie’s mother worked hard to support the family.

Growing up in Pasadena, Jackie faced exclusion due to poverty and racial disparities. Initially drawn to a neighborhood gang, he left it with the encouragement of his friend Carl Anderson. Excelling in football, basketball, track, and baseball, Jackie’s achievements continued at Pasadena Junior College (PJC), where he broke a broad-jump record held by his brother. 

Despite racial challenges and an arrest due to perceived racism, Jackie excelled in sports at PJC. In 1938, he was recognized as the most valuable player in baseball. Motivated by Rev. Karl Downs, Jackie attended church regularly, developing a strong Christian faith. The tragic death of his brother Frank led him to pursue his athletic career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), staying close to Frank’s family.

Must Read: Elisabeth Moss Net Worth

Career

College Athlete at UCLA

After graduating from Pasadena Junior College in 1939, Jackie Robinson enrolled at UCLA, where he achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the school’s first athlete to earn varsity letters in four sports: baseball, football, basketball, and track.

Military Service

In 1942, Robinson was drafted into the Army and became part of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first black tank unit to see combat in World War II. However, issues related to racism in the military led to court-martial proceedings, preventing him from being deployed overseas. He was discharged in November 1944.

Breaking the color Line in Baseball

Jackie Robinson made history in 1947 by breaking the color line in Major League Baseball, debuting for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His MLB career lasted until 1956, and he also played for the Kansas City Monarchs initially.

Robinson achieved significant milestones, including being a World Series champion, a six-time All-Star, National League MVP in 1949, and NL batting champion the same year. His No. 42 jersey was retired by all MLB teams, and April 15th was declared “Jackie Robinson Day” by the MLB in his honor.

Baseball Legacy

Robinson left an indelible mark on baseball, with a career batting average of.313, 141 home runs, and 761 runs batted in. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

Personal Life

While at UCLA, Jackie Robinson met his future wife, Rachel Isum. Jackie Robinson and Rachel Isum got married on February 10, 1946. Robinson played a significant role in the civil rights movement and received posthumous honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Jackie Robinson passed away on October 24, 1972, at the age of 53, due to a heart attack. His contributions to sports and civil rights continue to be celebrated, and his impact on baseball is commemorated annually on Jackie Robinson Day.

Salary and Financial Challenges in Baseball Career

Jackie Robinson, born on January 31, 1919, faced financial struggles early in his baseball journey. In 1945, he signed with the Montreal Royals, a Dodgers minor league team, earning a $3,500 signing bonus and a monthly salary of $600.

Adjusted for today’s value, the signing bonus would be approximately $50,000. Robinson’s annual salary progressed, reaching a peak of $39,750 in 1952.

His estimated total career earnings were around $296,000, which is equivalent to about $2.8 million today when adjusted for inflation.

After retiring in 1957, Jackie earned $50,000 from Look Magazine for exclusive rights to his retirement photos, roughly $450,000 in today’s dollars. He also worked at Chock Full o’Nuts, receiving an annual salary of $50,000.

Real Estate

Jackie Robinson’s most significant asset was a six-acre property in Stamford, Connecticut, acquired in 1955. Unfortunately, racial discrimination hindered his acceptance into the local country club.

Following his death in 1972, his heirs sold off divided lots of the estate, with one lot fetching $1.72 million in 2011.

Despite these challenges, Robinson ventured into various business endeavors, including the unsuccessful Jackie Robinson Clothiers and the founding of the Freedom National Bank in 1963, which faced financial insolvency and closed in 1990.

In the late 1960s, he initiated the Jackie Robinson Construction Company, specializing in constructing low-income homes and apartments.

Business Ventures and Challenges

Jackie Robinson explored diverse business ventures beyond baseball. Despite financial setbacks, including the closure of Jackie Robinson Clothiers and Freedom National Bank, his legacy extended to the late 1960s with the establishment of the Jackie Robinson Construction Company.

This company focused on building low-income homes and apartments, showcasing Robinson’s commitment to community development. Despite facing challenges, Robinson’s contributions in various fields exemplify his determination and resilience beyond the baseball field.

Stay Updated: Planet News Update