Who Was The First Black Major League Baseball Player?

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 when he became the first African American to play Major League Baseball.

Jackie Robinson

On April 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson became the first black player in the major leagues. This was a very important step in not just baseball but in American history. Breaking the color barrier was a big accomplishment and Jackie Robinson is remembered for it to this day.

Born in Cairo, Georgia

Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919. He was the youngest of five children born to Mallie and Jerry Robinson, after whom he was named. His father left the family when Jackie was only six years old, and Mallie soon married William Messersmith. The family moved to Pasadena, California, where Jackie attended John Muir High School. A talented athlete, Jackie played running back on the football team and shortstop on the baseball team. He also ran track and competed in tennis and swimming.

Signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947

Jackie Robinson became the first black player in Major League Baseball when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. After a successful season in the Negro Leagues, Robinson was drafted by the Dodgers and assigned to their minor league team, the Montreal Royals. In his first season with the Royals, Robinson led the league in batting average and stolen bases; he was also named Rookie of the Year. The following year, he was called up to the majors and made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947—the same day that Major League Baseball began celebrating Jackie Robinson Day.

Robinson faced racism both on and off the field throughout his career, but he persevered, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 1947 and going on to be named National League MVP in 1949. He helped lead the Dodgers to six World Series appearances, including one win in 1955. Robinson retired from baseball in 1957 but remained an active civil rights advocate until his untimely death in 1972.

Made his Major League debut in 1947

Jackie Robinson made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, as the first black player in Major League history. He was named Rookie of the Year that season, and helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1955. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

Larry Doby

Larry Doby was the first black player in the American League when he joined the Cleveland Indians in 1947. He was born in South Carolina in 1923 and was a talented athlete from a young age. Doby played in the Negro Leagues before being signed by the Indians. He made his debut with the team on July 5, 1947.

Born in Camden, South Carolina

On December 13, 1923, Larry Doby was born in Camden, South Carolina. He was the youngest of 10 children. When he was two years old, his family moved to Paterson, New Jersey. At an early age, Doby showed an interest in baseball. He played little league and sandlot ball with neighborhood friends. When he was 14 years old, he was already playing on a semi-professional team.

Signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1947

Larry Doby was born on December 13, 1923, in Camden, South Carolina. He played baseball and football in high school before being drafted into the United States Navy in 1942. He served during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. That same year, he began his professional baseball career with the Newark Eagles of the Negro Leagues.

In 1947, Doby made history when he signed with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first black player in the American League. He made his major league debut on July 5, 1947, just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson had broken through with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Doby went on to play for the Indians until 1955. He was named to seven All-Star teams and helped lead the Indians to a world championship in 1948. After his playing days were over, Doby worked as a coach and scout for several MLB teams. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

Made his Major League debut in 1947

Larry Doby became the first player to break the color barrier in the American League when he made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Indians on July 5, 1947, just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson had become the first black player in Major League history.

The 6’1″, 205-pound Doby was an excellent all-around athlete who had been a standout football and basketball player in high school. He had also been a star pitcher in the Negro Leagues before being signed by the Indians.

Doby struggled at first in his adjustment to Major League pitching, but he soon became one of the best players in the league. He was named an All-Star seven times and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1998.

Satchel Paige

Satchel Paige was an American professional baseball player who pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro leagues from 1924 to 1947. He was the first black player to pitch in the World Series, in 1948.

Born in Mobile, Alabama

Satchel Paige was born in Mobile, Alabama, on July 7, 1906. His given name was Leroy Robert Paige, but he soon acquired the nickname “Satchel” from a fellow worker at a local trucking company. It was during his years as a semi-professional player that Paige began to develop his trademark showmanship. He would often stroll nonchalantly to the mound in the middle of an inning, doffing his cap to the spectators as he went. Once he began pitching, however, he became all business.

Signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1948

Satchel Paige was the first black player to sign a contract with a major league baseball team. He was signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1948. Prior to that, he had played for several Negro League teams. He was a star pitcher and is considered one of the greatest players in baseball history.

Made his Major League debut in 1948

Satchel Paige made his Major League debut in 1948 with the Cleveland Indians at the age of 42. He was the first black pitcher in the Major Leagues. He had an amazing career, despite being so much older than most of the other players. In his first season, he had a record of 6-1 with an ERA of 2.48. He was selected to the All-Star team that year. He pitched in the World Series that year, and won Game 5. He played for the Indians until 1949, when he was traded to the St. Louis Browns.