You may be referring to the so-called "color line." For many decades, professional Baseball in America was segregated; even the best black players were not allowed to play for major league teams. Some played in the Negro Leagues, but these teams, while entertaining, did not have the budget to pay players well, nor did these teams receive as much attention or respect from the mainstream media. But everything changed in 1945, when Branch Rickey, president and general manager of the then-Brooklyn Dodgers (today the team is in Los Angeles) courageously signed star Negro League player Jackie Robinson. Robinson was equally courageous: becoming the first black player in Major League Baseball in 1947, he endured bigotry and racism, yet went on to have a very successful career.
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You may be referring to the so-called "color line." For many decades, professional baseball in America was segregated; even the best black players were not allowed to play for major league teams. Some played in the Negro Leagues, but these teams, while entertaining, did not have the budget to pay players well, nor did these teams receive as much attention or respect from the mainstream media. But everything changed in 1945, when Branch Rickey, president and general manager of the then-Brooklyn Dodgers (today the team is in Los Angeles) courageously signed star Negro League player Jackie Robinson. Robinson was equally courageous: becoming the first black player in major league baseball in 1947, he endured bigotry and racism, yet went on to have a very successful career.
Jackie Robinson broke the racial barriers in Major League Baseball. He was a fine player and the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers signed him on to the Dodger team. This was a groundbreaking event in baseball. Never before had the "colored" barrier been broken. As it turned out he was a big help to the Dodgers. His impact was so great that this year, 2014, his uniform number, 42, has been retired from baseball forever.
Jackie Robinson broke the racial barriers in Major League Baseball. He was a fine player and the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers signed him on to the Dodger team. This was a groundbreaking event in baseball. Never before had the "colored" barrier been broken. As it turned out he was a big help to the Dodgers. His impact was so great that this year, 2014, his uniform number, 42, has been retired from baseball forever.