On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first Black player in Major League Baseball in the modern era. His debut ended decades of racial segregation in the major leagues. Robinson faced intense racism from fans, opposing players, and sometimes teammates. He responded with restraint and exceptional play, winning Rookie of the Year and later Most Valuable Player. His success opened doors for other Black and minority players. Robinson’s courage and performance made him an enduring symbol of both athletic excellence and civil rights progress.
