Fifty years after his passing, Jackie Robinson continues to have an impact on baseball and on society. That impact is celebrated throughout the sport this Saturday.
In 2023, Jackie Robinson Day is not only a recognition of Robinson’s historic debut with the Dodgers 76 years ago, but also a tribute to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), which was established by Jackie’s widow, Rachel, in honor of his life and mission a few months after his death in October 1972.
The Jackie Robinson Museum opened in New York City last year after 14 years of planning and construction. The museum highlights Robinson’s work in baseball and in the fight for civil rights. JRF – a national nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to minority youth for higher education – sees to it that the equal opportunity effort continues to this day.
As is tradition in the Majors, all players, managers and coaches will wear Robinson’s number 42 on their uniforms for the game this Saturday, April 15, in the Dodgers blue.
There will also be a number 42 badge on all New Era caps worn today, and Nike Breaking Barriers jerseys will be worn during batting practice. The Stance socks will have a commemorative logo with the number 42 and commemorative pads and line-up cards will be used for each game. MLB Network’s “MLB Tonight” program aired from the Jackie Robinson Museum for the first time on Friday.
The MLB The Show video game will continue to incorporate Robinson into its Negro League content that launched during Black Heritage Month. Sony will once again sell a $5 charity pack, with JRF receiving the proceeds from each copy.
At the Jackie Robinson Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, MLB and USA Baseball are hosting the Trailblazer Series this weekend, an annual baseball experience for girls ages 13 and under from across the country. The event will be attended by Sonya Pankey, first granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson. There will also be a special “Play Ball” event at the complex for hundreds of area children.
2023-04-16 01:32:41
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