Jackie Robinson Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play baseball in the majors. Jackie Robinson had many obstacles to get through to get to the majors and to stay on the team. He had to stay calm when people would constantly call him a “negro”, “nigger” and other harsh racist words. Not only did he have to not lash out when people would call him names, he also had to not lash out when the Brooklyn Dodgers weren't allowed to stay in a hotel because a “nigger” was on their team. Along with being called names, and not being allowed to stay in a hotel, Robinson also received death threats stating “Robinson we will kill you if you attempt to enter a ball game at Crosley field.” But even with his obstacles Robinson was an influence