Jackie Robinson excelled in all major sports in high school and Pasadena Junior College. He starred in track, football, basketball, and baseball at UCLA. During World War II, he was a morale officer, reaching first lieutenant before being discharged. From the army, Robinson joined the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro League. Brooklyn Dodgers' president Branch Rickey persuaded Robinson to join the Dodgers and break the "color line" in major league baseball.

He spent the 1946 season with the Montreal Royals, moved up to the Dodgers in 1947, and was voted rookie of the year. Robinson helped his team win six national league championships and one World Series. His individual performance was spectacular. He retired from baseball in 1956 and achieved prominence in business, politics, and civil rights.