LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The Los Angeles Dodgers joined the rest of Major League Baseball in marking Saturday's 76th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color line.
The Dodgers and Chicago Cubs joined for what was described as a “team reflection” at the Jackie Robinson statue in the Centerfield Plaza. Robinson’s granddaughter Ayo Robinson threw the ceremonial first pitch and Dodger outfielder Jason Heyward addressed the crowd.
“I just want to say much respect to everyone for being here,” Heyward told the crowd announced at 52,375 who would see the Dodgers score twice in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 2-1 victory. “We all understand as players how hard this game is. It’s a grind. You give up a lot of things, time with family, time with friends, and you feel like an outcast at times.
"But I could never stop imagining what Jackie had to go through on a daily basis when he continuously had it thrown in his face that he was different."
Fifty scholars and alumni from the Jackie Robinson Foundation were honored on the field at Dodger Stadium to commemorate the organization's 50th anniversary by circling the "42" in the outfield. The scholars and alumni also collectively said "It's time for Dodger baseball" just before the first pitch.
Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, founded the foundation in 1973, the year following her husband's death at the age of 53. It provides four-year college scholarships to disadvantaged students of color.
The national anthem was sung by the John Muir High School Early College Magnet Choir. Robinson graduated from the high school in Pasadena.
All players and other on-field personnel wore Robinson's No. 42 for all of Saturday's major league games as they have done on each Jackie Robinson Day since 2009, with all teams using Dodger blue for their "42" jersey numbers regardless of their primary team colors for the second consecutive year.
All players, coaches, managers and umpires wore caps with a "42" side patch.
The number 42 was retired throughout Major League Baseball in 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson's April 15, 1947, debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw and outfielder Mookie Betts were among the more than 200 players and coaches wearing The Players Alliance's Jackie Robinson T-shirt and black wristband showcasing his nine values — courage, determination, commitment, persistence, integrity, justice, teamwork, citizenship and excellence.
The Players Alliance was formed by active and retired professional baseball players. It describes its mission as seeking to "address baseball's systemic barriers to equity and inclusion by creating pathways to opportunities on and off the field for an undeniable pipeline of Black talent."
"Our supporters reflect every racial, religious and professional level found in the sport and they are committed to upholding Jackie's legacy by breaking today's barriers," said former Dodgers outfielder Curtis Granderson, The Players Alliance board chair.
An online auction of former Dodgers pitcher David Price's 2020 World Series ring conducted by the Los Angeles Dodgers foundation will run through Wednesday with all proceeds benefiting The Players Alliance.
Robinson went hitless in four at-bats in his major league debut, but scored what proved to be the winning run in Brooklyn's 5-3 victory over the Boston Braves in front of a crowd announced at 25,623 at Ebbets Field.
Robinson played his entire major league career with Brooklyn, helping lead the Dodgers to six National League pennants during his 10 seasons, and, in 1955, their only World Series championship in Brooklyn.
Robinson's successful integration of Major League Baseball is credited with helping change Americans' attitudes toward Blacks and being a catalyst toward later civil rights advances.
