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.
Jackie Robinson. Died: October. The man who would be selected by Branch Rickey to break the color barrier in modem baseball began his career in the Negro Leagues. In 1945 Robinson played his only season in black baseball as a shortstop with the Kansas City Monarchs. A former UCLA football All American, had played college and semi-pro baseball but was lacking professional experience.