For over half a century, baseball's unofficial "color barrier" remained intact, until a young man named Jackie Robinson changed the game forever in 1947. Amid a tumultuous atmosphere, Robinson became a symbol of hope to millions of Americans as he helped lead the Brooklyn Dodgers to six pennants and one World Championship during a ten-year career. He also earned the first-ever Rookie-of-the-Year award, now named in his honor. And in 1949 he was named the NL's Most Valuable Player. In 1962, he again broke a color line when he became the first non-Caucasian voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997, Robinson became the first – and still only - player to have his number retired throughout the Major Leagues. This distinction is a testament to his place in American history as a transformative figure who not only impacted his sport but also his culture, society, and US history. In 2008, his plaque in Cooperstown was modified to further reflect these contributions, but the original which was on display from 1962 until then read exactly as this one does - which was given to Jackie at his induction. His original Rookie of the Year award recently sold for in excess of $400,000 (Leland's Fall 2013 Auction), and this piece of memorabilia, his very own copy of his Hall of Fame plaque which is arguably as important is a perfect representation of the culmination of his life’s accomplishments. The significance of this simple, yet profound, 10x12" display item within its original back-stand cannot be overstated. This is a truly one-of-a-kind item, and includes a signed letter from his wife, Rachel, attesting to its authenticity.