Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Spring Valley: 1  Illinois Valley Community College (about 6 miles; Oglesby, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,747). 2  Kishwaukee College (about 46 miles; Malta, IL; FT enrollment: 3,356). 3  Illinois Central College (about 47 miles; East Peoria, IL; FT enrollment: 7,158).
Breaking the Color Barrier. After his discharge from the Army in 1944, Robinson began to play baseball professionally. At the time, the sport was segregated, and African-Americans and whites played in separate leagues.
Soon after leaving the army, Robinson began to play professional baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs. The Monarchs were part of the Negro Baseball League. At this time in history, black players were still not allowed to play in Major League Baseball. Jackie played well. He was an excellent short stop and hit for an average of .387.