How Baseball Was Changed by Jackie RobinsonJackie Robinson changed baseball in America in the 1940s by breaking the barrier of segregation that had been placed on baseball. Robinson played in the Negro Leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs. In 1945 Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers negotiated a contract with Robinson that would take him to the major leagues in 1947. Baseball was segregated due to racial intolerance, economic factors and other complex reasons. The major leagues would rent their stadiums to Negro League teams when their team was on the road. For example, if the Brooklyn Dodgers were on the road, they would rent their stadium to the Kansas City Monarchs. The owners of the Major League teams also knew that if they integrated the Majors, the Negro League would lose its best players and the Negro League would be lost. Furthermore, the majors would have lost significant revenue. Branch Rickey had played baseball his whole life. He was a player, coach, manager and team owner for over sixty years. Branch Rickey was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame and his plaque mentions his purchase of Jackie Robinson. Branch Rickey chose Robinson because he knew he would be able to take all the abuse and stay calm. Plus, he knew Robinson was an exceptional player. Branch Rickey has always wanted to integrate baseball since the beginning of his career. Rickey was looking for a strong person who could withstand public scrutiny, avoid confrontation, and also a talented baseball player. Rickey set his sights on Robinson because he had experience integrating other sports. Robinson attended UCLA and lettered in four other sports. Branch Rickey met Robinson in August 1945 after scouting the Negro League…center of paper…involving more minorities in the game. According to a study conducted by the University of Central Florida's Racial and Gender Report Card, 9.1% of Major League Baseball players are African American (Gonzalez). That number has been no more than 15% for the past 20 years. Albert Pujols said, “Baseball was an outlet for him to be able to do that, and he had a special talent to accomplish what he did and still lead by example.” for others. You can't replace it. “Jackie Robinson changed the way baseball is viewed by Americans. Furthermore, he broke a huge barrier in American history. Robinson helped eliminate segregation. Furthermore, he is considered one of the most respected men in the history of baseball. Not only a wonderful baseball player, but also a wonderful man who went through so many hardships and helped create a path for current and future African American baseball players.