January 22, 1962 -- Jackie Robinson becomes first the Black player to be elected to the Baseball HOF. In his first year of eligibility, Robinson was elected on the first ballot. During his 10-year career, Robinson won the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award in 1947, was an All-Star for six consecutive seasons, and won the NL MVP Award in 1949 -- the first Black player to be honored. Robinson played in six World Series and contributed to the Dodgers' 1955 World Series win. In 1997, MLB retired his uniform No. 42 across all major league teams; he was the first professional athlete in any sport to have such honor.
Also happening this week:
- January 22, 1968 -- NBA announces expansion franchise licenses awarded to Milwaukee (Bucks) and Phoenix (Suns).
- January 23, 1953 -- NFL’s Dallas Texans becomes the Baltimore Colts (now known as the Indianapolis Colts).
- January 24, 1964 -- CBS purchases 1964 & 1965 NFL TV rights for $28.2M.
