On April 15, 1947, the world of baseball changed forever. J.ackie Robinson stepped onto the field of the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first African-American player in the Major Leagues, breaking a racial barrier that had lasted almost a century.
Robinson was not only a pioneer, but also an exceptional player. His speed, power and hitting made him an instant star.
Despite facing constant insults and discrimination, Robinson maintained composure and professionalisminspiring generations of athletes and equality activists.
The retirement of the number 42
In 1997, 50 years after Jackie Robinson’s debut, Major League Baseball made a historic decision: permanently retire the number 42 in Robinson’s honor. It became the first number retired league-wide, a symbol of Robinson’s lasting impact on baseball and society.
The retirement of the number 42 was not only a tribute to Robinson’s career as a baseball player, but also to his legacy as a pioneer of equality.
In 2007, the symbolism of the number 42 and Jackie Robinson took a step further. Ken Griffey Jr., African-American outfielder and star asked commissioner Bud Selig to wear number 42 on April 15.
Rachel Robinson, widow of Jackie Robinson, approved that Griffey could wear that number in tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers player.
But after that, Griffey Jr. went further and asked that all teams with players and coaches wear number 42 every April 15.
So as of 2009, all 30 Major League teams wear the number 42. without surnames in tribute to Jackie Robinson.
A day that changed the Majors forever and represented a before and after in the Majors.
His bravery and determination opened the doors for countless African American players to follow in his footsteps and achieve success in the Major Leagues.
Robinson not only shined on the field, but also off it. He became an icon of the fight for civil rights, using his fame to fight against racial segregation in the United States.
Keep reading:
– Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium and the beginning of a possible golden era: “They share my passion”
– “Fernandomania never ended”: Fernando Valenzuela receives the Dodgers’ highest honor when his number 34 is retired