Jackie Robinson, major league baseball’s first black player during the modern era, will posthumously be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a White House ceremony on March 2. The medal, to be presented to Robinson’s family by President George W. Bush, is the highest honor that our nation can bestow on a citizen for non-military achievements.

Barry Bloom’s article for MLB.com presents complete information about the award and a brief review of Robinson’s achievements on and off the field of play.