Today is Jackie Robinson Day, the day Jackie Robinson started in his first-ever game as a Brooklyn Dodger, breaking baseball’s long-standing color barrier, a seemingly impossible task at the time.
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In 1975, Frank Robinson became the game’s first African American manager.
But, as proud and willing as MLB is in all those efforts, Manfred noted that unfortunately, one thing that likely will not move forward, at least in the short-term, is any progression on the initiative to get Major League Baseball to retire No. 21 league-wide in honor of Roberto Clemente.
“I think that I am a little bit, to a fault, not taking certain moments in, but I think I will make a conscious effort [Friday] to understand and take in the scope and the magnitude”, Roberts told ESPN. “To this day, Jackie’s determination, perseverance and passion for excellence, on and off the field, are characteristics that I strive to emulate and instill in my own children”. I think it reminds us what people have to go through to be successful.
Robinson starred in baseball, basketball, football and track at UCLA, and the Bruins are set to take the field against the Washington Huskies Friday in some old-school threads to remember one of the biggest legends in school history.
Major League baseball players will bestow a $42,000 grant from the Players Trust to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), the Trust announced today – the day in which every Major Leaguer will wear the number 42 in honor of Jackie’s legendary leadership and courage. The number 42 was retired throughout Major League Baseball in 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s April 15, 1947 debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
“It is important for me to be here because of what Jackie Robinson has done, not only to allow me to become an elected official, but also to my uncle”.
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Locally, the Richmond Flying Squirrels will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with special activities and fan giveaways during its game at 7:05 p.m. Friday, April 15, against the Altoona Curve at The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard.
