Mostly to allow for travel time for players coming from all corners of the country, and also just to give baseball players a short break mid-season.
1948
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson was the first player to break the Major League Baseball "Color Barrier". He broke the barrier wearing the number 42 which is now retired for all of Major League Baseball. The only player left wearing it is Marino Rivera of the New York Yankees. Jackie Robinson broke the barrier with The Brooklyn (now L.A.) Dodgers
Jackie Robinson was a Major League Baseball player who played 2nd base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He is famous because in April of 1947, he broke baseball's color barrier by becoming the first ever African American to play in a Major League Baseball game for a Major League Baseball team.
Jackie Robinson
They soak it in water, put it in the microwave for 15 seconds, then shape it to their head and wear it till it dries.
1947. The Sporting News named one Rookie of the Year for both leagues in that season. Robinson was named ROY for the entire majors and not just the National League.
1947 was when Jackie breaks the color barrier
In MLB history, that is Barry Bonds with 39 home runs before the 2001 All-Star break.
Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Baseball on April 15, 1947. At that time he became the first African American to play Major League Baseball.
Yes, Major League Baseball players will get to see their families however this usually only happens in the event of playing games in their family's home state. Players will also use the All Star break in order to see their family provided they weren't added to the roster.