This year marks the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson becoming the first Black man to play major league baseball. He first took the field with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
Back then, segregation was common in many parts of American society. That included professional baseball. Black players could play only in the Negro Leagues, under poor conditions and for low pay. (The term Negro once was commonly used to refer to Black people. It is now considered outdated and offensive.)
The president of the Brooklyn Dodgers wanted to integrate baseball, but he knew it would take a special player to break the sport’s color barrier.
Robinson, a shortstop in the Negro Leagues, was chosen for his talent and his ability to keep his cool. During his first season with the Dodgers, he faced frequent abuse, including death threats and fans shouting racist insults at him.
But Robinson remained focused on the game, and he proved that he was every bit as good as the best White players. Before retiring in 1956, he made six All-Star teams.
Robinson died in 1972, but he continues to be an inspiration. Each year on April 15, all major league players wear Robinson’s uniform number, 42, to honor the man who opened baseball’s doors to Black players.