(Bill Strode/The Courier-Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK)

MLB Players Speak Out on Dodgers Jackie Robinson’s Influence

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By TJ French | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 4:45 PM ET

Today marks an annual celebration across Major League Baseball where one of the Los Angeles Dodgers' all-time icons Jackie Robinson is celebrated for breaking MLB's color barrier in 1947.

April 15 is celebrated each year, and Jackie is honored as every player in MLB will wear the number 42. The day marks Robinson to be the first African American to play baseball in the modern era.

There is always an outpour from the baseball community and its players/media members honoring Jackie and all he accomplished for the game. Today, players do various things in honor of Jackie, and to show their thanks.

A look at Francisco Lindor’s cleats and glove today for Jackie Robinson Day 4️⃣2️⃣

(via IG/lindor12bc, rawlingssg) pic.twitter.com/19vvbim5RY
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) April 15, 2025

Mike Trout also made a post via X.

To the strongest man to ever step on a diamond — thank you. It’s always an honor to wear 42. #JackieRobinsonDay
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) April 15, 2025

The Philadelphia Phillies players were also seen warming up with t-shirts that read "Breaking Barriers" as a tribute to Mr. Robinson.

Bryson Stott and a lot of Phillies teammates are wearing the “Breaking Barriers” t-shirt in batting practice to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day pic.twitter.com/jWrGEi3Nue
— Colin Newby (@ToNewbyginnings) April 15, 2025

Robinson's number was retired league-wide in 1997 and remains the only jersey retired by all 30 MLB teams. Jackie joined the Dodgers in 1947 and posted a .297 average with 175 hits in 151 games en route to a Rookie of the Year award. Two years later, he wound up winning the league's Most Valuable Player after leading MLB in WAR.

MLB honors Jackie Robinson ‘Without him, I wouldn’t be here’
What Andrew McCutchen, Ke'Bryan Hayes and Paul Skenes said about the importance of today https://t.co/H5wnocbV9R via @937thefan
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) April 15, 2025

In 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers won the World Series, and Jackie retired from MLB a season later in 1956.

There are many other messages like Mike Trout's honoring and thanking Jackie for all he has done for the game of baseball, and allowing anyone to be given a fair shot to play the game they love.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: