Jackie Robinson

Born in Georgia and raised in California, Robinson excelled in multiple sports, particularly football at UCLA. After challenging segregation during World War II, he joined the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues and caught the eye of Dodgers' general manager Branch Rickey. Over his 10-year MLB career, Robinson won Rookie of the Year, National League Most Valued Player and a World Series championship in 1955 with the Dodgers. His impact extended beyond baseball, influencing civil rights and earning him posthumous honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom.