Jackie Robinson started challenging discrimination even before he played with the dodgers. This can be seen in his refusal to sit in the back of a bus while he was in the army. Throughout Robinson's career in baseball he had to constantly deal with racism. Opposing managers and fans heckled him throughout games and other team attempted to hurt Robinson by throwing at him or spiking him. Even Robinson's own teammates attempted to kick him off the team. Robinson was very courageous. Robinson was put under tremendous pressure and many players put in his position would have just quit. Jackie Robinson broke major league baseball's color line by playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. The Civil Rights Movement did not officially begin until the 1950's, but Robinson's efforts certainly helped sparked it years before. The Civil Rights movement achieved things such as desegregation, more voting for African Americans in the south, and less discrimination in the workforce. Jackie Robinson should be considered a prominent figure in the Civil rights movement and as courageous and pioneering as other leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcom X. (history.com)
MLB
Jackie Robinson led to a much more diverse MLB. In 1947 the league was over 99% white. Today there is 28% Latino and 8% African-American. The MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson day each April. On this day every player in the League wears a number 42 jersey without their last name to commemorate Jackie Robinson. Robinson id highly regarded among MLB coaches, players, and fans. Dusty Baker, an African American who is the current manager of the Washington Nationals had this to say about Jackie Robinson "He began to change the mindset of the world" Dusty Baker. Jason Heyward an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs and gold glove winner said "One person went through a lot of things to allow all of us to play baseball. African-Americans, of course, but just to open up the door to integration for everyone." Jackie Robinson changed major league baseball in many ways and his legacy will continue to shape they way we look at the game. (MLB.com)