Black history has long been intertwined with Major League Baseball (MLB). African American players faced segregation and discrimination in the early years of the sport, but their resilience and talent eventually led to a significant impact on the game.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Black players were prohibited from playing in the major leagues due to the "gentlemen's agreement" among team owners to exclude African Americans. However, in 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier by becoming the first African American player in the modern era to play in MLB when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Robinson's integration of the major leagues opened the door for other Black players to follow suit. In the following years, players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, and Roy Campanella made their mark on the sport, becoming legends in their own right and helping to break down racial barriers in the game.

Despite their success on the field, Black players continued to face discrimination and challenges, such as unequal pay and limited opportunities for advancement in coaching and management roles. However, their contributions to the sport are undeniable and have helped shape the game into what it is today.

In recent years, MLB has made efforts to honor the legacy of Black players and celebrate their impact on the sport through initiatives like Jackie Robinson Day, where all players wear his number 42, and the annual Civil Rights Game.

While there is still work to be done to address issues of diversity and inclusion in baseball, the history of African Americans in MLB serves as a reminder of the resilience and talent of Black players who have enriched the sport and paved the way for future generations.