As a member of the Montreal Royals (AAA farm team) and later the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson is remembered not only for his athleticism, but for breaking the color barrier as well. In fact, his impact was so great that Larry Doby, the first African-American baseball player in the American League, joined the Cleveland Indians only three months later. African American Satchel Paige also became a Cleveland Indian the following year. Jackie Robinson became a heroic symbol in African-American communities and served as an inspiration to those who had never been given equal opportunities to succeed.

Robinson had been a stellar athlete in college as well, lettering in four sports at the University of California at Los Angeles. Brought to the major leagues by the Brooklyn Dodgers' general manager Branch Rickey, Robinson endured death threats, physical abuse, and taunting. In the end, however, Robinson stood victorious by becoming the first-ever Rookie of the Year in Major League Baseball, winner of the National League batting title, and Most Valuable Player for the 1949 season. Because of his success, increasing numbers of African Americans began to play professional sports.