Jackie Robinson

On April 15, 1947, more than 25,000 people packed into a baseball stadium in New York City. Fans came to watch the Dodgers. They would also get to see the team’s new first baseman, Jackie Robinson. This 28-year-old was the first Black player in Major League Baseball (MLB).

On April 15, 1947, more than 25,000 people packed into a baseball stadium in New York City. Fans came to watch the Dodgers. They would also get to see the team’s new first baseman. His name was Jackie Robinson. This 28-year-old was the first Black player in Major League Baseball (MLB).

In the 1940s, many parts of American life had segregation, including baseball. Black players were barred from MLB. They played for low pay in other leagues. 

Branch Rickey, president of the Dodgers, wanted to change that by hiring a Black player. He knew he needed a player with courage to stand up to racism. That’s the belief that one race is better than others. After meeting Robinson, Rickey knew he had found the right man.

In the 1940s, many parts of American life had segregation. This included baseball. Black players were barred from MLB. They played for low pay in other leagues. 

Branch Rickey, president of the Dodgers, wanted to change that. He wanted to hire a Black player. He knew he needed a player with courage to stand up to racism. That’s the belief that one race is better than others. After meeting Robinson, Rickey knew he had found the right man.

Robinson opened the doors for more Black players to enter Major League Baseball. They were finally able to show America what they could do.

Many leaders thanked Robinson for playing a part in the civil rights movement. That movement fought for equal rights for Black people. 

Robinson stopped playing baseball in 1956 and died in 1972, but he is still an inspiration today. His daughter, Sharon Robinson, gives one reason for that.

She says, “He knew the importance of standing up for what you believe in.”

Robinson opened the doors for more Black players to enter Major League Baseball. They were finally able to show America what they could do.

Many leaders thanked Robinson for playing a part in the civil rights movement. That movement fought for equal rights for Black people. 

Robinson stopped playing baseball in 1956 and died in 1972. But he’s still an inspiration today. His daughter, Sharon Robinson, gives one reason for that. She says, “He knew the importance of standing up for what you believe in.”