His first major league game was uneventful. While he did hit the ball hard, he grounded out each time and ended the game hitless. Critics saw this as validation that he lacked the necessary talent to play with white players.

However, Jackie was undeniably affected by the microscopic analysis of his every move. Coupled with racial taunts from the stands, Jackie began doubting his own ability to successfully handle all the pressures.

Jackie's first hit, a bunt single, came in his second game and his first homerun came in game three. Jackie went on to hit .297 and lead the league in stolen bases with 29. The Dodgers won the league pennant but lost the World Series to the New York Yankees. Jackie was named Rookie of the Year.

Roy Campanella was the second black player to join the Dodger team that year. His addition to the team was significant because it diluted the public focus on Jackie and they provided support and experiential understanding for each other.

Despite his slow start, Jackie ended the season leading the team in hitting with a .296 average; he had 12 home runs and 85 runs batted in. However, the Dodgers finished in third place.

Jackie's most controversial period began in his third season. Jackie was no longer bound by his two year commitment to silence and passive resistance. He began the season by challenging other teams to play him rough as he intended to play them rough. Jackie was reprimanded because this was interpreted as a veiled threat that could insight racial trouble.

The 1949 season was also Jackie's best professionally. He led the league offensively with a .342 batting average, and 37 stolen bases and defensively for turning the most number of double plays. He was named the National League's Most Valuable Player and with a new contract, his salary was increased to $35,000. The Dodgers won the National League pennant but again lost the World Series to the New York Yankees.

In 1952, the Dodgers won the National League pennant but again lost the World Series to the New York Yankees. Jackie's batting average was disappointing, plummeting below .200 for the series. He was also losing the public relations battle in the press. Jackie's outspokenness was constantly compared to Campanella's more reserved and reclusive style, but Jackie was undeterred.

The Dodgers won the National League Pennant in 1953 and again lost the World Series to the New York Yankees. Jackie's performance on the field that season was impressive: he had a batting average of .329 and scored over 109 runs during the season; he had a .320 average during the playoffs.