Jackie Robinson

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African- American in the major leagues, when he plays his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Jackie Robinson was chosen by Branch Rickey, a vice president with the Brooklyn Dodgers, to help integrate major league baseball. Branch Rickey knew that there world be a lot of difficult times ahead for the young athlete, so he made Robinson promise to not fight back when confronted. He was abused by his teammates, opposing players, and fans. Despite the abuse, Robinson had a .349 batting average and a .985 field percentage to shortly move from the Montreal Royals, Brooklyn Dodgers farm team, to the big time. Things did not get easier for Robinson, they just became harder and harder. Opposing teams threatened not to play the Dodgers and some of Robinson's own teammates asked to be traded.
Soon people started to see though that Robinson was there to stay. Owner of the Dodger's, Leo Durocher, League President, Ford Frick, Jewish Baseball Star, Hank Greenberg, and Dodger's Captain and Shortstop, Pee Wee Reese. Robinson also proved to doubters that he could play with 12 home runs, leader in stolen bases, and an outstanding batting average of .342. Robinson also became a leader for African American Athletes.
After a long time in the Major League's, Robinson finished his career with a World Series win and many awards. His career statistics included a batting average of .311, 1518 hits, and 137 home runs. After baseball, he continued working as a activist for social equality in sports until his death on October 24, 1972.