On this day in 1945, Jackie Robinson made history by signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers

On October 30, 1945, Jackie Robinson made history by signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. The event marked the breaking of the color barrier in baseball, a sport that had long been segregated.

Although he was reportedly “thrilled” to be in the majors, it wasn’t an easy transition. Robinson had to deal with opposition from major league owners, their players, and even members of his own team.

Jackie Robinson (right), former baseball and football star with U.C.L.A., and an infielder with the Kansas City Monarchs last season, signs with the Montreal Royals of the International League to become the first African American to play in organized baseball at Montreal, Oct. 23, 1945. Left to right are: Romeo Gauvreau, vice president of the Royals; Hector Racine, president of the Royals; Branch Rickey Jr., head of the Brooklyn Dodger farm system of which Montreal is a member, and Robinson. (AP Photo)

Nonetheless, in 1947, Robinson was named the second most admirable American, coming in second to singer and actor Bing Crosby. He also won the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s first Rookie of the Year Award.

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