Japanese wonder boy Shohei Ohtani currently commands the biggest deal in American sports history. It’s a big statement when there was a time when the baseball world was starkly different. For decades there was a barrier, an invisible line that prevented non-white players from even entering the major leagues. Then came Jackie Robinson with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first Black player in MLB. And modern baseball was forever changed. 

For a man who started his major league journey at the relatively old age of 28, what he did on the field is as extraordinary now as it was then. While no doubt Shohei Ohtani is one of the biggest signings the Dodgers have ever seen, Robinson has a strong claim of being the most significant one. 

Jackie Robinson – A once-in-a-lifetime talent

For a man labeled “the Dark Destroyer”, one can only imagine the things he could do on the field. Jackie Robinson debuted in 1947 for the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first Black player since the 1880s to play in the major leagues. From his first season, it was obvious that Robinson was something special. He was named Rookie of the Year on the strength of his 175 hit, .297 average season.

Eventually, the late slugger became the first Black player to appear in the World Series in 1947. Year after year “the Dark Destroyer” continued to annihilate the competition. By the end of his career in 1956, Robinson had played in six World Series, winning one in 1955. He was a 6x All-Star and the NL MVP in 1949. But his real impact came culturally.

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After Robinson broke the racial barrier, all MLB teams, however gradually, opened up to having Black players. However, the journey wasn’t easy for Robinson even after signing with the Dodgers, because he still faced discrimination and bore the brunt of hurtful comments. But during all of this, he stood firm in his quest for equality. 

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Till his death in 1972, Robinson continued to fight against racial discrimination. Such was his impact in the sport that his no. 42 was retired by MLB across the league – the first player for whom this was done. Today, his influence is compared to what Shohei Ohtani might do in the future.

Robinson paved the way for Shohei Ohtani and the like

Jackie Robinson’s debut was a watershed moment. With non-white players officially becoming a part of the league, baseball became a global sport in the truest sense. Gradually the major league was filled with players of different ethnicities and races, united by their love of the diamond.

Now Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese player, has signed the biggest contract in North American sports history. He may not have a direct connection with Robinson but the late Dodgers legend certainly played a hand in paving the way for players like him. Financially bigger deals will always be made but it’ll be rare if any player ever matches the cultural impact of the Dark Destroyer.

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