Jackie Robinson Honored
Many Players Wear Number 42 In Honor of Robinson
April 15, 2007 marked the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's memorable debut in the major leagues.
Jackie Robinson's Major League Baseball (MLB) debut came on April 15, 1947. Sunday April 15, 2007 marks the 60th anniversary of this historic event and many players across MLB will wear Robinson's number, 42, in memory and honor of the man who broke the league's color barrier.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. spoke with MLB Commisioner Bud Selig about unretiring Robinson's number for one day, which led to many players and even whole teams, to drop their uniform numbers for a day and wear Robinson's. The players that will wear the number 42 on this day will not have their names displayed on the back of their uniforms, which shows complete class and respect for one of the most influential people that had ever lived.
Although African Americans played in the Negro Leagues, which were around in the '40s, there were none playing in the MLB until Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey decided to give Robinson a chance. That chance turned into the Rookie of the Year Award for Robinson. His combination of speed, power and intelligence brought a different flavor to the game, which opened up the doors for so many African American players past and present.
Of the ten games that will be played on Sunday, all of them are honoring Robinson with the biggest ceremony being held in Los Angeles when the Dodgers play the Padres. Every starter for the Dodgers will sport the number 42. The Cardinals and Pirates will also have every player wear number 42.
With all of the steroid allegations that have overshadowed baseball for the past couple of years, this is a great gesture that brings a positive and light-hearted atmosphere and proves that the MLB is more than people complaining about steroids. It shows that the players and managers care about the history of the game and are willing to show respect for a figure whose play and beliefs are still commended today.
Bud Selig definitely deserves a gold star for allowing this type of admiration to be expressed throughout the entire league. Baseball is considered the national pastime and is watched everyday by people young and old. Wearing the number 42 will bring back memories for the older folks watching the game and will teach today's youth just how important of a man Jackie Robinson was.
All in all, I hope that the MLB will continue this not every ten years, but every year, to recognize the man that faced ridicule and hatred to play the game that he loved. Jackie Robinson will never be forgotten and should be considered one of the most influential and courageous people in history.
