As April 15th strolls on the calender, we remember Jackie Robinson and what he has done in the game of baseball for African-Americans.
What is Jackie Robinson Day?
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. His courage in the face of adversity paved the way for minority athletes in all sports. His example helped the progress of the civil rights movement in America.
In celebration of the most momentous day in baseball history, Commissioner Bud Selig declared April 15 “Jackie Robinson Day” in perpetuity. April 15, 2007 will mark the fourth Jackie Robinson Day event. All teams hosting a game will have a special pre-game ceremony honoring Jackie’s legacy and saluting area Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars.
The most famous number in Major League Baseball history was established because of pure luck, the team historian for the Los Angeles Dodgers said on Friday.
In 1947, Jackie Robinson was simply issued No. 42 without any input as he prepared to break into the Major Leagues on April 15 of that season, thus becoming the first African American player in 58 years to play in the big leagues.
In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in the Major Leagues, Commissioner Bud Selig retired No. 42 throughout baseball, grandfathering in only the players then wearing the number. Mariano Rivera, who joined the Yankees in 1995, is the only active player still wearing Robinson's number.
Selig has "unretired" the number for a day. Many players, and a few full teams, including the Dodgers, will wear No. 42 in honor of Robinson.
Here is a complete list of the teams and uniformed personnel who are participating:
Angels: Gary Matthews Jr.
Astros: All players
Athletics: Milton Bradley
Blue Jays: Vernon Wells, Frank Thomas, Royce Clayton and hitting coach Mickey Brantley
Braves: Andruw Jones
Brewers: All players
Cardinals: All players
Cubs: Derrek Lee, Cliff Floyd, Jacque Jones and Daryle Ward
Devil Rays: Carl Crawford
Diamondbacks: Orlando Hudson, Tony Clark, Chris Young, Scott Hairston and first base coach Lee Tinsley
Dodgers: All players
Giants: Barry Bonds
Indians: Josh Barfield, Grady Sizemore and C.C. Sabathia
Mariners: Arthur Rhodes
Marlins: Dontrelle Willis
Mets: Manager Willie Randolph
Nationals: Dmitri Young
Orioles: Corey Patterson
Padres: Mike Cameron
Phillies: All players
Pirates: All players
Rangers: Manager Ron Washington
Red Sox: Coco Crisp, David Ortiz, third base coach DeMarlo Hale
Reds: Ken Griffey Jr.
Rockies: LaTroy Hawkins
Royals: Reggie Sanders, Emil Brown
Tigers: Gary Sheffield, Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Craig Monroe and hitting coach Lloyd McClendon
Twins: Torii Hunter, Rondell White and first base coach Jerry White
White Sox: Jermaine Dye, first-base coach Harold Baines and third-base coach Razor Shines
Yankees: Mariano Rivera (uniform No. 42 grandfathered in 1997), Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter and manager Joe Torre
What is Jackie Robinson Day?
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. His courage in the face of adversity paved the way for minority athletes in all sports. His example helped the progress of the civil rights movement in America.
In celebration of the most momentous day in baseball history, Commissioner Bud Selig declared April 15 “Jackie Robinson Day” in perpetuity. April 15, 2007 will mark the fourth Jackie Robinson Day event. All teams hosting a game will have a special pre-game ceremony honoring Jackie’s legacy and saluting area Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars.
The most famous number in Major League Baseball history was established because of pure luck, the team historian for the Los Angeles Dodgers said on Friday.
In 1947, Jackie Robinson was simply issued No. 42 without any input as he prepared to break into the Major Leagues on April 15 of that season, thus becoming the first African American player in 58 years to play in the big leagues.
In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in the Major Leagues, Commissioner Bud Selig retired No. 42 throughout baseball, grandfathering in only the players then wearing the number. Mariano Rivera, who joined the Yankees in 1995, is the only active player still wearing Robinson's number.
Selig has "unretired" the number for a day. Many players, and a few full teams, including the Dodgers, will wear No. 42 in honor of Robinson.
Here is a complete list of the teams and uniformed personnel who are participating:
Angels: Gary Matthews Jr.
Astros: All players
Athletics: Milton Bradley
Blue Jays: Vernon Wells, Frank Thomas, Royce Clayton and hitting coach Mickey Brantley
Braves: Andruw Jones
Brewers: All players
Cardinals: All players
Cubs: Derrek Lee, Cliff Floyd, Jacque Jones and Daryle Ward
Devil Rays: Carl Crawford
Diamondbacks: Orlando Hudson, Tony Clark, Chris Young, Scott Hairston and first base coach Lee Tinsley
Dodgers: All players
Giants: Barry Bonds
Indians: Josh Barfield, Grady Sizemore and C.C. Sabathia
Mariners: Arthur Rhodes
Marlins: Dontrelle Willis
Mets: Manager Willie Randolph
Nationals: Dmitri Young
Orioles: Corey Patterson
Padres: Mike Cameron
Phillies: All players
Pirates: All players
Rangers: Manager Ron Washington
Red Sox: Coco Crisp, David Ortiz, third base coach DeMarlo Hale
Reds: Ken Griffey Jr.
Rockies: LaTroy Hawkins
Royals: Reggie Sanders, Emil Brown
Tigers: Gary Sheffield, Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Craig Monroe and hitting coach Lloyd McClendon
Twins: Torii Hunter, Rondell White and first base coach Jerry White
White Sox: Jermaine Dye, first-base coach Harold Baines and third-base coach Razor Shines
Yankees: Mariano Rivera (uniform No. 42 grandfathered in 1997), Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter and manager Joe Torre