In 1987 , both the National and American League Rookie of the Year Awards were renamed the `` Jackie Robinson Award '' in honor of the first to receive the award ( Robinson 's Major League Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 encompassed both leagues ) . In 1987 , both the National and American League Rookie of the Year Awards were renamed the `` Jackie Robinson Award '' in honor of the first recipient ( Robinson 's Major League Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 encompassed both leagues ) .