Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball, played his first minor league game at the then-named Daytona City Island Ballpark, in Daytona Beach, Florida. The site is a historic landmark that continues to honor Jackie Robinson’s legacy.
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and colleagues introduced the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Site Act, which would designate the Jackie Robinson Ballpark as a National Commemorative Site and direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study to designate the site as a National Historic Landmark.
Rubio said, “Jackie Robinson wasn’t just a phenomenal baseball player; he was a trailblazer who broke barriers both on and off the field. In 1946, he played at the Daytona City Island Ballpark, where his courage transformed not only the sport, but also our nation. I’m introducing the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Commemorative Site Act to honor and protect the site where Jackie played his first game, and to remind us of the strength and impact one person can have on the world.”
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“One of Georgia’s greatest, Jackie Robinson was a Hall of Fame baseball player and civil rights icon who helped move America’s favorite pastime forward and helped change the trajectory of our country with his talent, courage, and resilience. I am proud to be co-leading this bill that will help memorialize Robinson and share the historical significance of his life for generations to come,” said Warnock.
Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Rick Scott (R-FL) are original cosponsors. Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Darren Soto (D-FL) introduced companion legislation in the House.
Today, April 15th, is a significant day in the world of baseball as Major League Baseball (MLB) comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson. Since 2009, every MLB player wears the iconic No. 42 on this day, in honor of Robinson’s groundbreaking impact on the sport.
Beyond the symbolic gesture of wearing his number, MLB has organized various initiatives and events to commemorate Robinson’s achievements and promote positive change in communities across the country.
In 1997, MLB officially retired the No. 42 jersey throughout the league, marking the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s historic MLB debut. However, players who were already wearing the number were allowed to continue doing so. Mariano Rivera, the legendary New York Yankees closer, was the last player to wear No. 42 before it was retired universally. Since 2009, on Jackie Robinson Day, all MLB players wear the No. 42 jersey to pay tribute to the man who broke the color barrier in professional baseball.
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Commemorating Jackie Robinson’s Impact
On Jackie Robinson Day, the celebrations extend beyond the players wearing his number. MLB organizes various events and initiatives to honor Robinson’s legacy and make a positive impact on society, particularly in relation to children and education.
Tributes at Ballparks Nationwide
At every MLB ballpark, fans and players alike are treated to a special tribute video titled “Pasadena Fields” that highlights Robinson’s journey and his impact on the game. This video is displayed on scoreboards and is also available on MLB.com and MLB.TV, allowing fans across the country to join in the celebration.
Fostering Love and Support for Children
MLB partners with Foster Love, a company dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care, to host a volunteer event at the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York. Employees from MLB’s local offices come together to assemble superhero gift boxes and cases of sweets, which are then donated to foster care children. This event aims to spread joy and support to those in need while honoring Robinson’s commitment to helping disadvantaged youth.
Additionally, the Jackie Robinson Museum hosts Nike RBI Day, where participants from Nike’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) programs and their families visit the museum to learn about Robinson’s legacy. This event provides an opportunity for young baseball enthusiasts to be inspired by Robinson’s story and encourages their involvement in the sport.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation and Education
MLB maintains a longstanding partnership with the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), an organization established by Jackie’s wife, Rachel Robinson, to provide college scholarships to students from underrepresented communities. Through this partnership, MLB and its clubs have donated an estimated $20 million to the JRF, supporting internship and job opportunities for young individuals.
Trailblazer Series: Empowering Young Girls in Baseball
In collaboration with USA Baseball, MLB hosts the Trailblazer Series at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida. This tournament, created in 2017, offers girls aged 13 and younger the chance to participate in playing, development, and educational opportunities in baseball. The Trailblazer Series aims to break gender barriers in the sport and inspire young girls to pursue their passion for baseball.
Sonya Pankey, the first grandchild of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, will be speaking at the event, sharing her family’s personal connection to Jackie’s legacy and inspiring the young participants.
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