April 15 is a significant day in baseball as MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson Day. Today marks 77 years after Robinson took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers to break MLB’s color barrier. He paved the way for future generations of players from diverse backgrounds to break into the big leagues. Even so, it didn’t always sit well with many players, managers and fans of other teams and even his own team. Robinson courageously dealt with the challenges of racism in the many years he played. The league has put on some thoughtful commemorations throughout the years in his honor.
Here’s a look at some of the top moments from over the years and how MLB is celebrating Jackie Robinson Day.
Two Significant Jackie Robinson Day Moments
Selig Declares Jackie Robinson Day across MLB
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first Jackie Robinson Day across MLB. In 2004, Commissioner Selig, along with the daughter of Jackie and Leonard C. Coleman, announced that April would be celebrated annually as “Jackie Robinson Day.” Seven years earlier, on the 50th anniversary, Robinson’s No. 42 was officially retired by Commissioner Bud Selig on April 15, 1997. The only players who wore the number were those who were already assigned the number and were allowed to use it, such as Mariano Rivera.
Ken Griffey Jr. Inspired Wearing No. 42
Ken Griffey Jr. is the one to thank as he was the first player to come up with the idea of wearing No. 42 on April 15. He did it on two different occasions. The day Selig retired his number, Griffey asked that his number be switched from No. 24 to 42. Ten years later, Griffey again wore No. 42 after asking permission from Selig. Selig granted Griffey by doing so, only extending the offer to wear No. 42 to anyone who wanted to. It was an individual decision for the next two seasons.
In 2009, five years after MLB officially designed April 15 as Jackie Robinson Day, Selig announced that everyone who a uniform would wear No. 42. That tradition continues to this day.
How is MLB Celebrating the Day?
The video “Pasadena Fields” will air at ballparks to honor Robinson. It will be available on MLB.com and MLB.TV. Along with that, MLB will also host a volunteer event at the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York. As well, a group of volunteers who work in MLB’s local office will assemble superhero boxes and cases of sweets that will be donated to foster care children. On a similar note, MLB will continue its partnership with the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a group established by Jackie’s widow, Rachel. It’s to provide students from underserved communities with college scholarships. MLB and it’s club have estimated to have donated over $20 million to the Foundation.
It’s almost time for Jackie Robinson Day weekend! Fans of all ages can enjoy special museum tours, movies, hands-on activities, and more.
Link in bio for tickets. pic.twitter.com/dK7rpeq8UK
— Jackie Robinson Foundation (@JRFoundation) April 9, 2024
Baseball Helping the Youth
By helping the youth, MLB and USA Baseball are collaborating to host the 2024 Trailblazer Series. This tournament, at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Florida, provides playing, development and educational opportunities to girls aged 13 and younger who want to learn baseball. For the boys, there’s an ongoing MLB ID Tour. The 18-city tour is the purpose of discovering the best athletes within underserved communities across the country. The athletes will get an invitation to the Breakthrough Series, DREAM Series, and Hank Aaron Invitational.
Main Photo: © Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
