Most people know Jackie Robinson as the famous baseball player who ushered in a new era for African Americans in the Major Leagues. Not only did he create a presence for Blacks on the baseball diamond, but he also was the first to receive high profile awards. He was the first African American to win the League's Most Valuable Player award in 1949. His prestige earned him a cover story in Life magazine in 1950 -- the first African American to do so. In 1962, just ten years prior to his death, he was the first Black Major League player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.