On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers starting at first base at Ebbets Field. Sporting News named Robinson Rookie-Of-The-Year in 1947. Jackie Robinson led the National League in stolen bases and led the Dodgers in homers. Seemingly overnight the Brooklyn Dodgers became America's black team, as a result attendance at Ebbets Field began to increase. Robinson played approximately ten seasons with the Dodgers franchise from 1947 to 1956 (baseballrefernce.com). Mr. Robinson died in 1972 at the age of 53. His No. 42 jersey is the only number to be retired league-wide in baseball in April 1997, the 50th anniversary of his first game with Brooklyn.