JACKIE ROBINSON DAY

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Jack Roosevelt Robinson was the first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers for 10 seasons. They elected him into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. 

Jackie Robinson made history on April 15th, 1947 when he stepped onto the ball field for the first time because he was the first man of color to play on a major league baseball team. Before 1947, the minor and major leagues both excluded baseball players of Black African descent.

In 1997, the 50th anniversary of Jackie’s Major League Baseball debut, then commissioner of baseball Bud Selig,  made sure Jackie’s contributions to baseball are remembered for all time. Jackie’s number, number 42, was permanently retired for every team in Major League Baseball. (Players who were currently using the number could continue until their retirement from baseball.)

THIS ARTICLE outlines the last players for each MLB team to wear Number 42.

In 2013, the very last player that was wearing number 42 in 1997 retired. You can read how he honors Jackie HERE

In 2004, Baseball began celebrating Jackie Robinson Day. On Jackie Robinson Day, number 42 comes out of retirement, all players, coaches, and managers on both teams, and the umpires, don the beloved number. 

2022 marked the 75th anniversary of the inspirational day when Jack Roosevelt Robinson made history by stepping onto the field as a player for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

42 reasons to honor Jackie Robinson

Baseball Achievements

1. Broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947.
2. Named Rookie of the Year in 1947.
3. Played in six World Series during his 10-year MLB career.
4. Helped the Brooklyn Dodgers win the 1955 World Series, their first championship.
5. Was a six-time All-Star selection (1949–1954).
6. Led the National League in stolen bases twice (1947 and 1949).
7. Won the National League MVP Award in 1949.
8. Had a career batting average of .311.
9. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
10. Played multiple positions with excellence, including first base, second base, and outfield.

Courage and Resilience

11. Endured relentless racism from fans, players, and the media without retaliation.
12. Stood as a role model for perseverance under immense pressure.
13. Worked with Dodgers’ executive Branch Rickey to challenge segregation in baseball.
14. Proved that talent, determination, and integrity transcend prejudice.

Legacy in Sports

15. His jersey number, 42, is retired across all MLB teams.
16. Inspired future generations of athletes, including Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron and Willie Mays.
17. Paved the way for the integration of other professional sports.
18. Played in the Negro Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs, demonstrating his skill before joining MLB.
19. Served as a symbol of excellence for athletes of all backgrounds.
20. His life story is taught in schools and used to inspire youth worldwide.

Advocacy for Equality

21. Was an outspoken advocate for civil rights during and after his baseball career.
22. Marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for racial equality.
23. Championed hiring African Americans in leadership roles in sports and business.
24. Became the first Black vice president of a major American corporation (Chock full o’Nuts).
25. Testified before Congress about the necessity of civil rights legislation.
26. Supported voter registration efforts for African Americans.
27. Advocated for the desegregation of schools and communities.

Military Service

28. Served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
29. Challenged racial segregation in the military, refusing to move to the back of a bus in 1944.

Community Impact

30. Co-founded the Freedom National Bank, a Black-owned financial institution.
31. Supported youth education programs to ensure opportunities for all.
32. Used his fame to amplify issues of racial and social injustice.
33. Encouraged others to speak out against discrimination in their communities.

Honors and Recognitions

34. Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously in 2005.
35. Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1984.
36. Honored annually on April 15th with Jackie Robinson Day in MLB.
37. Inspired the creation of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which provides scholarships to minority students.
38. His life and legacy are celebrated in films like 42 and documentaries.

Personal Strength

39. Raised awareness about diabetes, the condition that contributed to his untimely death.
40. Demonstrated the power of grace, integrity, and determination to overcome challenges.

Cultural Impact

41. Changed the way America viewed sports, diversity, and inclusion.
42. Remains a timeless symbol of hope, progress, and the fight for equality.

Here ideas for celebrating Jackie Robinson Day with kids:

Jackie Robinson Day is a great opportunity to teach kids about the importance of diversity and inclusion.

1. Read a book about Jackie Robinson. There are many great books available for kids about Jackie Robinson, such as “The Story of Jackie Robinson” by Andrea Thorpe and “Who Was Jackie Robinson?” part of the “Who Was” series.
2. Watch a movie about Jackie Robinson. There are also several great movies about Jackie Robinson, such as “42” and “The Jackie Robinson Story.”
3. Play baseball. Jackie Robinson was a baseball player, so why not play baseball yourself? You can either play a game of catch or join a local baseball team.
4. Learn about the history of segregation. Jackie Robinson was one of the first African Americans to play in Major League Baseball. This was a time when segregation was still common in the United States, so it’s important to teach kids about the history of segregation and how it affected Jackie Robinson.
5. Talk about racism. Jackie Robinson faced racism throughout his life, both on and off the baseball field. It’s important to talk to kids about racism and how it can affect people.
6. Celebrate diversity. Jackie Robinson was a pioneer in the fight for equality. He showed that people of all races can play together and succeed. It’s important to celebrate diversity and teach kids that everyone is equal.

Download this free tabletop dice baseball game

Learn About Jackie Robinson and 5 other Amazing Baseball Hall of Fame players in the Baseball Hall Of Fame Project

Can’t celebrate this year – Mark your calendar & save this holiday for next year!

You can also pin the image below to your Pinterest boards to save this fantastic holiday!

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