This powerful and historically significant Type 1 original photograph, signed by Jackie Robinson and dated May 21, 1950, captures a deeply moving scene outside Brooklyn’s iconic Ebbets Field: a group of young white fans eagerly awaiting the autograph of a Black man—Robinson himself. At a time when racial segregation was still widely enforced across the United States, this image serves as a vivid testament to Robinson’s groundbreaking impact on race relations and his role in breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier.
The photograph features Robinson’s signature in bold black ink, clearly visible and well-placed on the image. The reverse side is inscribed in pencil with “Jackie Robinson May 21, 1950,” anchoring the piece firmly in a precise moment in time. Certified by PSA/DNA (Cert #84837227), the photo is authenticated both as an original Type 1 print and as bearing an authentic Jackie Robinson autograph. It is encapsulated for protection and long-term preservation.
On May 21, 1950, the Brooklyn Dodgers hosted the Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field in a high-scoring contest that ended in a narrow 10–9 loss for the Dodgers. Robinson, a vital part of the team and already a National League MVP (1949), went 1-for-5 in the game. By this point in his career, Robinson had become not only a baseball icon but a symbol of social progress in America.
What makes this photograph extraordinary is its visual narrative: young white children, unburdened by the era's racial divisions, looking up to a Black athlete as a hero. Their eagerness to secure Robinson’s autograph reflects the generational shift in attitudes and the capacity of sports to unify across racial lines. The scene challenges the norms of 1950s America and provides a snapshot of cultural transformation in progress.
Set against the backdrop of Ebbets Field—a legendary stadium that hosted countless historic moments until its closure in 1957—this photo does more than document a fan interaction; it embodies a turning point in American history. The combination of a rare authenticated autograph, the visual power of the scene, and the historical context surrounding it makes this an extraordinary piece of sports and civil rights memorabilia.