Jackie Robinson was, and always will be, one of the most inspirational people to play baseball. As the youngest of 5 of a single mother, Jackie was raised in poverty. He had to work for everything he had and earn it all. His drive to do work hard is what got him got him to the biggest stage in baseball. Inspired by his older brother, Jackie always wanted to play sports. At UCLA he lettered in 4 sports. Track, Baseball, Football, and Basketball. Not only did he do this, he also served in the army for 2 years. Jackie was honorably discharged after he was arrested for refusing to move to the back of a bus. He paved the way for more African baseball players such as Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. Young black athletes across the U.S.A were also inspired by seeing Jackie become one of the top players in the MLB and thinking that if Jackie can do it. they can too. He changed the MLB and the way it is played forever. His aggressiveness, the famous steal at home, etc. When Branch Rickey first signed Jackie, he told him that he would be heavily discriminated and that if he fights back he is off the team. Whenever a fan would yell, manager would taunt, hit by a pitch on purpose, Jackie would just turn the other cheek and keep on persevering. Some coaches wouldn't let their team play against the Dodgers, but Branch Rickey didn't care. Some hotels wouldn't let the team in on away games but Rickey expected these difficulties. Even some teammates refused to play with Jackie and requested a trade. Through all of these struggles, Jackie worked hard and earned his place in history.