He led the way for many other athletes who never thought they would be able to compete beside whites. He brought new hopes and dreams to millions of African-Americans who saw a means of escape from impoverished or other unfortunate circumstances through sports. People perceived sports as a means of attaining instant riches, even though the odds of joining the elite group of professional athletes was very limited. It seemed, perhaps seems, a practical solution to encourage athletic prowess rather that emphasize education and more practical skills to attain success and money. Unfortunately, the numbers of people attaining wealth through professional sports is very small.
Most sporting events are team events.
In other words, salaries are shared among teammates. Even fewer athletes make the fabulous salaries reported by the media. Although the former information can be interpreted as somewhat hopeless, that they are situations that will seemingly persist , there have been, and continue to be, positive accomplishment made in the area of sports. A study of historic accomplishments can show the progress that once may have seemed impossible. In July 1947, he signed a contract with the Cleveland Indians and became the first black baseball player in the American League.