Director Ken Burns examines the life of Jack Roosevelt Robinson, who crosses the color barrier to become the first black man to play Major League Baseball when he takes the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. The documentary follows Robinson's determination to perform and play the game, despite death threats on and off the field. Using his fame and popularity to speak out against injustice and prejudice, Robinson perseveres in the fight against inequality and discrimination. The program also touches on Robinson's life after baseball, including his fight against diabetes.