Never-Before-Seen Photos of Jackie Robinson From 1956

Photographer Richard Meek was on assignment for Sports Illustrated to cover the Brooklyn Dodgers’ game against the Milwaukee Braves at Ebbets Field on Thursday, Aug. 2, 1956. Meek photographed Jackie Robinson and the game using black-and-white film, which was processed.

Robinson went 1-for-4 in the 3–0 victory for the Dodgers. 

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, SI worked with the black-and-white negatives to unearth these images. 

MLB All-Star Jackie Robinson Enters Ebbets Field

Jackie Robinson Speaks With Reporters

Jackie Robinson Runs to Home Plate

Jackie Robinson Swings at a Ball

Jackie Robinson Talks With All-Star Pitcher Carl Erskine

(Richard Meek/Sports Illustrated)

Jackie Robinson Prepares for a Pitch

Jackie Robinson Speaks With Reporter

Jackie Robinson Dashes to Third Base

Jackie Robinson Gathers With His Teammates

Jackie Robinson Zoned In at Home Plate

Jackie Robinson Sits After Dodgers’ Game

Jackie Robinson Greets Carl Furillo at Home Plate

Jackie Robinson Rests at First Base at Ebbets Field

Jackie Robinson Prepares for Infield Catch

Jackie Robinson Talks With a Teammate After Brooklyn’s Win

Jackie Robinson Poses for Picture With Teammates

Jackie Robinson Talks With a Teammate

Jackie Robinson in Locker Room Dodgers’ Win

Jackie Robinson Speaks With Reporters Before Dodgers’ Game

Jackie Robinson, Teammates Walk Off the Field After an Inning

Richard Meek’s Assignment Sheet

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• Pulling Clayton Kershaw From the Perfect Game Made Too Much Sense
• Braves Sacrificed a World Series Repeat to Dominate the Decade