Lawrence Butler Honors Jackie Robinson with No. 42 Jersey for A’s Series against Cardinals

Lawrence Butler, the lone African-American player on the Oakland Athletics roster, will be donning Jackie Robinson’s iconic No. 42 jersey as the team kicks off a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. This annual tradition, observed by all Major League Baseball teams on April 15th, pays tribute to Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947.

For Butler, wearing No. 42 holds special significance. The 23-year-old right fielder, who typically wears No. 4, sees this as an opportunity to honor the trailblazing legacy of Robinson and the impact he had on the game. “He paved the way for me and a lot of other guys in the big leagues,” Butler expressed.

Despite a slow start at the plate this season, Butler made a statement on Friday night with a powerful home run and an RBI single in a crucial win against the Washington Nationals. In Sunday’s come-from-behind victory, he continued to shine with a double off the fence and key hits during a six-run inning.

Growing up in Atlanta, Butler developed a love for baseball early on, standing out among his peers who favored other sports. His appreciation for Robinson’s resilience and professionalism has only deepened as he’s progressed in his career. “What he went through, most of us wouldn’t have made it through half a season,” Butler reflected.

A’s manager Mark Kotsay, who also wore No. 42 during his playing days, understands the significance of Jackie Robinson Day and the impact of Robinson’s legacy on the sport. “It’s an honor to put that jersey on,” Kotsay remarked, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating Robinson’s contributions to baseball.

As Butler takes the field in Robinson’s revered number, he not only pays homage to a baseball legend but also carries on the legacy of resilience, determination, and courage that Robinson embodied. In honoring No. 42, Butler and his fellow players continue to uphold the values of equality and inclusion that Robinson fought for throughout his career.