Today I join baseball fans around the globe to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day.
#Jackie42
The event has turned into a special day for our family as this is the day we all suit up and head to Dodger stadium. Due to Covid-19 our celebration will be virtual as even though a pandemic is blazing across the land, paying homage to “Jack” must go on.
A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.
As a baseball historian I have mapped out a full schedule of activities to pay my respect. Here is a partial listing as well as some great links you may want to check-out if you too are inspired to salute #42.
The players, umpires, managers and coaches may not be on the field donning #42 but you can believe people from all walks of life will be wearing their Jackie Robinson gear as a sign of respect and connection to his legacy.
MLB’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO JACKIE ROBINSON DAY
Ken Griffey, Jr. gives a great interview on how he was inspired to call baseball commissioner Bud Selig to request if he could wear #42 CLICK HERE
#42 was a special movie because it captured Robinson’s experience as he hit the Dodgers minor league play in preparation in being called up to the “big team.” It captures his stint in Daytona Beach, Fl which today has the Jackie Robinson stadium and is used by the Chicago Cubs minor league system. Additionally there is some great scenes from Sanford, FL (about 20 miles from Daytona Beach) which in 2012 happened to be the city Trayvon Martin was murdered by George Zimmerman.
#42
I’ve seen just about every documentary and film about Jackie Robinson, so in addition to 42 and others, I will be revisiting Ken Burns great four hour project.
JACKIE ROBINSON
The Jackie Robinson is a great movie as Jack and Rachel play themselves
THE JACKIE ROBINSON STORY
Prior to signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie was with the Kansas City Monarchs. Pictured below is his 1945 baseball card.
Thomas Reports 