The life and legacy of Jackie Robinson are celebrated across Major League Baseball on April 15, commemorating his debut into professional baseball during the 1947 season.
“I am thrilled to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Jackie Robinson Foundation along with the first year of our new Jackie Robinson Museum,” Rachel Robinson said. “I thank Major League Baseball, the teams, players and fans for celebrating this legacy on Saturday and throughout the year. On behalf of our family, I want to On behalf of our family, I want to wish everyone a truly wonderful Jackie Robinson Day.”
The Los Angeles Angels will join every MLB club in honoring Robinson by wearing his famed No. 42 in Dodger Blue, and players, coaches, managers and umpires will have caps with a “42” side patch. Nike Breaking Barriers t-shirts also will be worn during batting practice, and Stance will have socks to celebrate the occasion.
The Angels will additionally be hosting the 3rd annual “Angels JR42 Clinic, Presented by Nike” on Friday, April 14. Because of fan turnout, the Angels Baseball Foundation added a second time slot for youth baseball and softball athletes to attend.
Clinics will occur at the Los Altos Family YMCA from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at the Anaheim Family YMCA Community Complex from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Each instructional camp will provide children with an outlet to participate in baseball and softball activities, while also learning about the life and impact in which Robinson had in baseball and society.
Members of the Angels RBI program and Angels front office staff will be in attendance to aid in the coaching instruction for youth attendees. A number of children, aged 6-12, are pre-registered for the special event.
Robinson’s reach in baseball and breaking the color barrier when he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers ended nearly 80 years of segregation in baseball. He spent 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning the Rookie of the Year award in his first season with the team.
The seven-time All-Star, Most Valuable Player, 1955 World Series champion and Hall of Famer, had his number retired across all of MLB in 1997, signifying his incredible impact on the game.
Dodgers to honor Jackie Robinson with multiple events
The Dodgers plan to honor Robinson on Saturday with Bank of America’s “Play It Forward” baseball clinic at Jesse Owens Park in South LA. Dodger pitcher Andre Jackson will take part in the clinic, along with former Dodgers Andre Ethier, James Loney and Jerry Hairston, Jr.
At Dodger Stadium on Saturday, all fans in attendance will take home a retro Jackie Robinson jersey, with celebratory pre-game ceremonies, including members of his family.
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