Jackie Robinson Day: Honoring a Baseball Legend

Jackie Robinson was the first Black player to step onto the field in Major League Baseball, and he helped change the game by breaking through racial barriers and paving the way for future athletes, making him a real-life hero.

How do you honor a hero?

You honor a hero by showing respect and remembering the sacrifice made for the good of all and not just a few.

It can be hard being the first or one of the first in anything, especially when change is needed to ensure the best of life for all and not just a few.

For those who understand that the end result can be much better than the pain they go through, it’s important to take action and not just give in to the easy choice of doing nothing.

Jackie Robinson is one such hero who has been placed in a position of honor and respect for his historic impact on breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jackie Robinson Day – Dodgers and Rockies Team reflection at Jackie Robinson statue

April 15, the Dodgers organization and team members from the Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies gathered in front of Jackie Robinson’s statue located in the Centerfield Plaza at Dodger Stadium to reflect on the lasting influence that Robinson has on the game even today.

Who Showed Up to Pay Tribute to Jackie?

In attendance for the time of reflection included, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Former Los Angeles Laker and author, Sonya Pankey – Oldest granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, Dave Roberts – Los Angeles Dodgers Manager, Nichol Whiteman – Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Members of the Dodgers and Rockies teams, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation / Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars.

Former Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stated, “My mom didn’t know much about the game. But because of all the attention that Jackie got, we started listening to the games on the radio when I was about 2 years old. And it was very important to me that Jackie’s team won.”

To honor Robinson’s impact on breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, players and coaches wore jerseys with the number 42 and a Brooklyn Dodgers cap, paying tribute to Jackie Robinson’s legacy and the changes he brought to the sport.

A free jersey and an interactive way to honor Robinson’s legacy

Jersey

Fans had the opportunity to receive a complimentary number 42 jersey in honor of Mr. Robinson to wit one fan was overheard saying as he adjusted his jersey, “Jackie Robinson, it don’t get more classic than that!”

42 in 3D

Artist Michael Macaulay collaborated with the Dodgers on a unique, creative, and interactive way for fans to honor Robinson’s legacy by combining art and sports.

His innovative 3D art invited fans to participate by taking a photo with the number forty-two, which made them appear to be standing on top of the number.

Learn more about the artist here: Michael Macaulay

Jackie Robinson’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and uplift the league and beyond.

---