In the late 1940s, as World War II comes to a close, racial segregation remains deeply ingrained in American society, including within the nation's favorite pastime, baseball. Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, decides to challenge this status quo and scout a black baseball player for the major league, an unprecedented and controversial move. Rickey's search leads him to Jackie Robinson, an athlete playing for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues. Recognizing Robinson's exceptional skill on the field and his resilient character off it, Rickey offers him a chance to break the color barrier. Despite the profound implications and immense pressure that comes with this opportunity, Robinson agrees to sign with the Dodgers.

As Robinson joins the Dodgers organization, starting in the minor leagues with the Montreal Royals, he faces an onslaught of racism, hostility, and bigotry, not only from fans and opposing teams but also from his own teammates. Robinson's every move is scrutinized by the public and the press, and his presence alone becomes a lightning rod for controversy. While constantly enduring racial slurs, physical threats, and discrimination, Robinson maintains his composure, adhering to Rickey's mandate that he must not retaliate aggressively. His resolve is tested again and again as he struggles to prove himself worthy not only as a player but also as a trailblazer for social change and equality in America.