Short-Term
After the barrier was broken, the number of African Americans in the MLB increased quickly, though many white players felt uncomfortable. The source explains how new Black athletes entered the league and how tension grew between Black and white teammates. Even with lingering racism, white players had no choice but to accept the change. Jackie Robinson paved the way for stars like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Don Newcombe. Without Robinson’s courage, it is impossible to know what baseball would look like today—there might still be a Negro League, and the MLB might have remained segregated for decades longer. Because the Negro Leagues dissolved after integration, players had to choose whether to retire or attempt to join the MLB, forever changing the structure of professional baseball. “Even some of his teammates would cause tension for Robinson, as many were deeply uncomfortable with the idea of playing with a Black ballplayer. Robinson paved the way for future African Americans in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers had stars like Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, and Jim Gilliam join Robinson. Campanella joined the team in 1948, a year after Robinson's debut, Newcombe in 1949, and Gilliam in 1953. Other stars of the period included legends such as Larry Doby, the first player in American League history (the Dodgers played in the adjacent National League), future all-time home run leader Hank Aaron, and arguably the greatest all-around player in baseball history, Willie Mays. Without Robinson, the league would have robbed themselves of these greats due to racist ignorance” (Campbell).
Long-Term
Jackie Robinson demonstrated remarkable perseverance as he overcame constant challenges and proved African Americans belonged in the MLB. When given the chance, he showed that both he and many others deserved equal opportunities. His success was not easy—he endured insults, physical threats, and hostility from fans and players. Winning Rookie of the Year was a major milestone, especially during a time when African Americans were not widely accepted. His achievements showed that talent and determination were not limited by race and that people of color deserved the same opportunities as white players. His legacy still influences how the MLB approaches diversity and inclusion today. “The impact of Black players on the field was significant. They brought over from the Negro leagues an aggressive style of play that combined power hitting with daring on the base paths. Black players soon established themselves as major league stars. In the 1950s and ’60s players such as outfielders Willie Mays and Hank Aaron (who set the all-time career home-run record) and pitcher Bob Gibson posted statistics that ranked them among the best ever to play the game,”(Jamail).