Sports Racism By mbdc Dec 26, 1908 Jack Johnson is first black heavy weight boxing champion Aug 9, 1936 Jesse Ownes wins fourth gold medal at the Olympc games in Berlin Germany Jan 1, 1945 First break in organized baseball's segregation. This first break in organized baseball's segregation practices in 1945. Jan 1, 1946 J.R. joined the all-white Montreal Royals Apr 15, 1947 J.R. first black athlete in MLB. Oct 31, 1950 Earl Lloyd first black NBA player. Jan 1, 1952 Yankees called "Racist organization" by J.R. Jan 5, 1957 J.R. retires Jan 18, 1958 Willie O'Ree is the first black hockey player in NHL Jan 1, 1962 J.R. becomes first black athlete in Hall of Fame.