Jackie Robinson Day

In this episode, Jackie Robinson Day . . .

What? You don't know what Jackie Robinson Day is? Well, pull up a seat and lend an ear.

Jackie Robinson Day is an event in Major League Baseball (MLB) that occurs annually on April 15, commemorating the day Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. This year, the destination is Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA. Friday, April 15, 2022, will host the 75th anniversary.

Jackie is celebrated and honored at all MLB ballparks. On that day, players, coaches, umpires, and managers on both teams, wear Robinson's uniform number, 42.

On April 15, 1947 (Opening Day), Robinson shattered baseball's color line during the Dodgers' 5-3 win over the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. His debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers (today's Los Angeles Dodgers) ended over 80 years of baseball segregation. Robinson went 0-for-3 at the plate but handled 11 plays at his new first base position. By the season's end, Robinson had played in 151 games, scoring 125 runs, with a .297 batting average and a National League-best 29 stolen bases.

After the season, he won the first Rookie of the Year Award, given to just one player in baseball.

On April 15, 2004, MLB established the celebration in response to Robinson's memorable career, best known for becoming the first black major league baseball player of the modern era in 1947.

Baseball fans living in Southern California have many options to visit a Major League Park; Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres; Angel Stadium, Los Angeles Angels; and Dodger Stadium.

Dodger Stadium is currently the third-oldest ballpark after Fenway Park and, of course, Wrigley Field.

Robinson played 10 big league seasons, retiring after the 1956 campaign with a .311 career batting average, the 1949 National League Most Valuable Player Award, and six World Series appearances. Jack Roosevelt Robinson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first appearance on the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot in 1962.

When you visit any major league ballpark, look around, Jackies' number 42 was retired in 1997 across all major league ballparks—the only player in history to receive such recognition.

No, you don't have to be a Dodgers fan to appreciate Jackie Robinsons' contribution to humanity. "In honoring him, we honor the dreams in all of us."

And if you're wondering - Yes, we have tickets to see the Cincinnati Reds vs. Dodgers on April 15 at Dodger Stadium to pay tribute to Jackie Robinson - Play Ball!

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening; see you in the next episode.

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