Dodgers: 2019 Jackie Robinson Day, When Puig Homered off Kershaw and Joc Walked Off

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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