There are no games today, so players and teams are finding their own ways to honor Jackie Robinson. April 15th every year is a time to celebrate the Dodgers’ legend, for his accomplishments on and off the field and for his advancements of the game of baseball.
Since we do not have a game to look forward to, we’ll instead look back on last season’s April 15th game. It was full of tension, excitement, and a whole lot of fireworks. I was at that game when the Dodgers faced off against the Reds at Chavez Ravine. I got off of work early that day and decided I would buy a ticket and head to the stadium to celebrate number 42. I was late of course, as I got caught in traffic on the 210 freeway. But luckily, I did not miss one of the most exciting games of the season.
Puig’s Dodgers Reunion
This game also happened to be Yasiel Puig‘s return to Dodger Stadium just a few months after being traded to the Reds. Puig was welcomed to mostly a standing ovation as he batted third in that game, and boy did he ever get things going against Clayton Kershaw. He took a 1-2 slider at the knees to deep center to give the Reds an early lead.
That homerun was tough to watch, though I am sure that it made Puig feel great in the moment. After a bases-loaded walk tied the game in the fifth inning, the Reds would retake the lead in the ninth off of Kenley Jansen. Another former Dodgers’ outfielder, Matt Kemp, drove in a run to give the Reds a late-inning lead.
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Joc Walks Off
That go-ahead run would set the stage for an epic comeback and a Jackie Robinson Day to remember for Dodgers fans. Raisel Iglesias came in to finish out the ninth, issuing a leadoff walk to David Freese. That set the stage for an epic walk-off shot from Joc.
Looking back, this is probably one of my baseball memories. I was standing in the section behind home plate, and when Joc hit that ball I jumped about as high as I ever have in my life. What’s your favorite Jackie Robinson Day story?
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