Jackie Robinson was the first African American ball player in the modern major leagues to establish a wide reputation in baseball, basketball, football, and track. In 1941, he entered the Army in World War II and was discharged as a lieutenant in 1945. Also, in 1945, Robinson signed to play for the Montreal Royals where he excelled as a second baseman and won the league batting crown. In 1949, he was named the NL's Most Valuable Player. In 1962, Robinson became the first African American to be inducted into the baseball hall of fame.