A Hero at Home Plate

On a cool April day in 1947, a young man named Jackie Robinson stepped onto a baseball field in New York City—and into history. He became the first African-American player in Major League Baseball (MLB) as we know it today.

Now, a museum to honor Robinson is being planned. It will teach visitors about the changes he helped bring to baseball and to the nation.

In April 1947, a young man named Jackie Robinson stepped onto a baseball field—and into history. He became the first African-American player in Major League Baseball (MLB) as we know it today.

Now, a museum to honor Robinson is being planned. It will teach visitors about the changes he helped bring to baseball and to the nation.

For many years, professional baseball in the United States was segregated. Major League Baseball had only white players on its teams. An unwritten rule had kept black players out of the major leagues since the 1880s. They had to play in separate leagues instead, and they were paid a lot less money. 

In the 1940s, Branch Rickey, the president of the Brooklyn Dodgers, wanted to change that. But he needed a player with more than just talent. He needed someone with the courage to face racism on and off the field. Rickey found that bravery in Jackie Robinson. 

It wasn’t easy being an African-American player in a white league. Some fans taunted him about the color of his skin. They called Robinson names and threw trash at him. Players on other teams spit on his shoes. But Robinson kept his cool.

“He responded to the racism by playing hard on the baseball field,” his daughter, Sharon Robinson, told Scholastic News.

Jackie Robinson won the Rookie of the Year award in 1947 and became known as one of baseball’s best players. Soon, many other black players followed him into the league.

For many years, professional baseball in the United States was segregated. Major League Baseball had only white players. An unwritten rule had kept black players out since the 1880s. They had to play in separate leagues instead. They were paid a lot less money.

In the 1940s, Branch Rickey wanted to change that. Rickey was the president of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He knew he needed a player with more than just talent. He needed someone with the courage to face racism. Rickey found that bravery in Jackie Robinson.

It wasn’t easy being an African-American player in a white league. Some fans taunted him. They called Robinson names and threw trash at him. Players on other teams spit on his shoes. But Robinson kept his cool.

“He responded to the racism by playing hard on the baseball field,” says his daughter, Sharon Robinson.

Jackie Robinson won the Rookie of the Year award in 1947. He became known as one of baseball’s best players. Soon, many other black players followed him into the league. 

Last April, work began on the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City. When it opens in 2019, it will feature videos of Robinson on the field, an exhibit on segregation, and more. Sharon Robinson says the museum will remind Americans how her father went to bat for equality.

“He knew the importance of standing up for what you believe in,” she says. 

Last April, work began on the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City. The museum will open in 2019. It will feature videos of Robinson, an exhibit on segregation, and more. Sharon Robinson says the museum will remind Americans how her father went to bat for equality.

“He knew the importance of standing up for what you believe in,” she says.