Jackie Robinson

Portrait of Jackie Robinson, baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson poses in dugout with baseball bat; package of Old Gold cigarettes in foreground. Old Gold Cigarettes Jackie Robinson (T-Unc.) series. Printed on front: "For a treat instead of a treatment, I recommend Old Gold cigarettes. Jackie Robinson." Printed on back: "Jackie Robinson, first baseman of the Brooklyn Dodgers, was born in Cairo, Georgia, 28 years ago. After his family moved to Pasadena, Calif., he entered the University of California, where he distinguished himself as a star athlete in baseball, football, basketball and track. At 23, Jackie entered the Army, rising to second lieutenant. For 31 months he served overseas, and then joined the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team, for which he fielded so sensationally that he attracted the attention of organized baseball. Impressed with his performance, Branch Rickey, president of the Brooklyn Dodgers, signed him for the the Montreal Royals, a Dodger 'farm.' So outstanding was Jackie's record with the Montreal Royals that President Rickey signed him to the Dodgers early in 1947. In that way, he became the first Negro to enter the big leagues. He is noted for his speed and batting skill. A good-looking six-footer, Jackie weighs about 185, and is even-tempered and modest. Off season he lives in Los Angeles with his wife, a former trained nurse, and their young son, Jackie, Jr. His chief ambition is 'an earnest desire to contribute to the advancement and recognition of the Negro race.'"