The first: Black players in MLB

Photo credit: National Baseball Hall of Fame Library

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson, Hall of Fame second baseman, went 0-for-3 and played first base when he made his major-league debut April 15, 1947, breaking MLB's color barrier. Eddie Stanky was entrenched at the keystone position for the Dodgers that season, necessitating a position switch for Robinson. Aside from going hitless, Robinson grounded into a double play, but also produced a sacrifice hit and run scored during the Dodgers' 5-3 win over the Boston Braves. But though that day was a portent for things to come regarding players of color in baseball, it didn't necessarily represent what Robinson would achieve. After spending the majority of his first two seasons at first base, Robinson switched to second, compiling a .983 fielding percentage in the course of nine seasons. The Rookie of the Year in 1947 and MVP in 1949, Robinson was a six-time All-Star who had eight top-20 finishes in the MVP voting during a 10-year career. He finished with a .311 batting average, 137 home runs, 734 RBIs and 197 stolen bases, twice leading the league.