76 Years Ago, Jackie Robinson Broke the MLB Color Barrier with the Dodgers
On April 15, 1947 — 76 years ago today — a baseball player by the name of Jack Robinson changed the course of human history… by playing in a baseball game. Jackie became the first Black player to play in a Major League Baseball game. His strength and courage not only led him to the Hall of Fame and the Dodgers to the first World Series title in franchise history in 1955, but it also changed the game for millions of lives even through this day.
Today we celebrate and honor the sacrifices he made with the annual “Jackie Robinson Day” around baseball. Each of the 30 MLB teams will wear the uniform number 42 in remembrance of Robinson, and the Dodgers will go above and beyond at Dodger Stadium tonight.
At the stadium, Jackie’s granddaughter, Ayo Robinson, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The organization will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jackie Robinson Foundation by recognizing scholars and alumni.
The first 40,000 fans in attendance will also receive a Jackie Robinson jersey presented by UCLA Health.
Mookie Betts Talks Jackie Robinson Day in 2020
After his playing career, Robinson dedicated much of the rest of his life to Civil Rights issues, continuing to pave a better future for people of color. He passed away in 1972 from complications stemming from diabetes. He was just 53 years old.
