MLB Honors Jackie Robinson on 77th Anniversary of Breaking Color Barrier
Major League Baseball celebrated the 77th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the sport’s color barrier on Monday, honoring the man who paved the way for Black players in the league. Robinson made history on April 15, 1947, when he started at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers, marking the end of racial segregation that had kept Black players out of the major leagues for decades.
At ballparks across the country, members of Robinson’s family, including his 101-year-old widow Rachel Robinson, were present to pay tribute to his legacy. Every team playing on Monday wore No. 42 jerseys in honor of Robinson, a tradition that has become a symbol of unity and progress in the sport.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, the first manager of Asian heritage to lead a team to a World Series title, reflected on Robinson’s impact, saying, “He had a big burden in his life to be a professional baseball player but to take on all this negativity, this hate towards him, his wife, his kids and still persevere.”
Players and staff from the Dodgers and the Washington Nationals gathered around Robinson’s statue in Centerfield Plaza in Los Angeles, showing their respect for the trailblazer who changed the face of baseball. Nationals manager Dave Martinez spoke about Robinson’s influence on the Hispanic community as well, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of his actions.
Former MLB player Reggie Smith shared a personal anecdote about meeting Robinson on a flight, emphasizing the courage and strength Robinson displayed in the face of adversity. Smith encouraged current players to remember Robinson’s struggles and continue to push for progress in the game.
As the baseball world came together to honor Jackie Robinson’s legacy, it served as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done to ensure equality and inclusion in the sport. Robinson’s impact continues to be felt today, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness both on and off the field.