What position did Jackie Robinson primarily play in MLB?

Jackie Robinson primarily played second base in Major League Baseball.

Robinson began his MLB career with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, initially playing first base. In 1948, he moved primarily to second base, where his speed, quick reactions, range and aggressive baserunning made him one of baseball’s most influential infielders.

The wording “primarily” matters because Robinson was versatile. He also played third base and first base during his Dodgers career, and he had played shortstop earlier with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues. That earlier experience sometimes causes confusion, but shortstop was not his main MLB position.

Robinson’s best-known individual season came in 1949, when he won the National League Most Valuable Player Award as a second baseman. He finished his 10-year MLB career with a .311 batting average, six All-Star selections and a 1955 World Series championship. His importance extended beyond statistics: his 1947 debut broke modern Major League Baseball’s color barrier.