Chock Full O' Nuts
In 1961, Jackie Robinson took a job as an executive with Chock Full O' Nuts. Chock Full O' Nuts, an all black facility, was a restaurant chain. From his position he led boycotts, spoke with Civil Rights leaders, and wrote seven letters and telegrams to the White House.
The Final Years
Jackie Robinson was nearly blind by 1972 and it was painful just to walk. On October 15, 1972 Jackie was invited to throw out the first pitch at the World Series. At that time Jackie gave a speech regarding the fact that there were no black managers in the Major Leagues. On October 24, 1972, at the age of 56, he collapsed and died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut from heart disease. 2,500 people attended his funeral and 5 former teammates carried his casket. On April 15, 1997 number 42 was retired from baseball's major leagues and it officially became Jackie Robinson day.