There was a time in the United States black people were not allowed to play the of baseball with white players. That was before great Jackie Robinson broke what was called the line in baseball. Prior to April 15, 1947, League Baseball was an exclusive "whites only" organization barred black players from participation. Black Americans could play in the Negro Leagues that existed roughly 1920 through 1948. Robinson, and the Brooklyn Dodgers, an end to segregation in baseball that year, began a movement for racial equality in the States.

Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia on 31, 1919, but grew up in Pasadena, California, Los Angeles. He was an outstanding athlete who baseball and football for Pasadena City College, then the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). his time with the Dodgers, the team won championship, and appeared in the World Series six . From 1949 to 1954, Robinson was named to All-Star Team, and he won the National League Valuable Player Award. He was also named the Rookie of the Year in 1947, the first the award was given.

Today, Robinson is honored every team in both the National and American on Jackie Robinson Day. On that day, all players wear the number 42 in honor of . That number, used to be worn by Robinson, retired universally by all baseball teams, making it first time any league has retired a number. player on any MLB team can ever wear number again. Robinson was inducted into the Hall Fame in 1962. He died in October 24, , and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of and the Congressional Gold Medal for his part changing American society.