The Negro Leagues were professional baseball leagues in the United States that operated from the late 1800s until the early 1960s. These leagues were formed because African American players were excluded from Major League Baseball due to racial segregation. The most notable leagues included the Negro National League and the American Negro League, which showcased talented players and provided a platform for African American athletes to compete at a high level. Many legendary players emerged from the Negro Leagues, including Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, and Josh Gibson. The leagues played a crucial role in the history of baseball and civil rights, as they helped pave the way for the integration of Major League Baseball in 1947 when Robinson broke the color barrier. The legacy of the Negro Leagues continues to be celebrated today.