Baseball "Negro Leagues" were first formed in the 1800s but gained popularity during the early 1900s as African Americans were not allowed to join white professional teams. Black and white integrated teams were not seen until 1945. With this integration came the end of the Negro Leagues.
Jackie Robinson was a second-base player for a negro league team (the Kansas City Monarchs) until Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey decided he wanted to integrate major league baseball. Through this integration process, Robinson endured threats to himself and family, and was forced to play for teammates and fans who opposed his presence. Robinson dominated the International League with a .349 batting average and 40 stolen bases. He was then promoted to the Dodgers and went on to win Rookie of the Year. Jackie Robinson once said, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." His impact on the civil rights movement was monumental and is still inspiring people all around the world today.