AMERICAN HERO: In 1947 Jackie Robinson became the first African-American player in the modern major leagues. Robinson helped lead the Brooklyn Dodgers to six World Series. He earned the respect of both fans and players, becoming the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1949. After retiring, Robinson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Photograph by Hy Peskin, Time Life Pictures/Getty Images © 2005 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.