Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He faced intense racism and discrimination but helped pave the way for future black baseball players. Despite facing threats and being intentionally hit by pitches, Robinson demonstrated tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting violently to the hostility. He had an impressive MLB career and contributed greatly to integrating and improving America's national pastime of baseball.