Today marks the 77th anniversary when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Previously, like so many African-American ballplayers he was with the Negro Leagues. His team was the famed Kansas City Monarchs. Today’s games will feature all players, including umpires wearing Robinson’s noted number number 42.
photos courtesy of MLB
The 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star game was a thriller with unsung Puerto Rico hero Elias Diaz from the Colorado Rookies belting his way to nab MVP honors. Down by one run in the 8th inning, Diaz slapped a two-run bomb to give the National League the win.
Like many professional sport organizations, over the years has been a push to internationalize the game. Baseball in particular has seen the fruits of their labor pay-off. Known as “America’s sport”, throughout the last thirty years there has been a decline in African-American players. However there is a lot beneath what most see or understand of various programs being implemented to increase the numbers, so stay tuned. A stark improvement has been seen in players from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Historians will ponder the rise in numbers but some who truly understand the social impact of baseball will attribute the success from the legacy of the Negro Leagues. During the Jim Crow era the Negro Leagues were known to play regularly in the countries mentioned. Their style was embraced and left a lasting imprint while making the game entertaining. You can see the result TODAY by watching players from the various countries – the flashiness, the athleticism and other traits are often confused and labeled “show-offs” by those who only understand the American brand of the game. On this years squad a whooping 42% of players are represented having Black/Latin heritage. Here is a breakdown of countries represented (it does not represent greats such as Nolan Arenado and J. D. Martinez who were both born in the United States but parents immigrated from Cuba).
| TOTALS | AA | CUBA | CUR | DR | VEN | PR | |
| NATIONAL | 14 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| AMERICAN | 19 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| TOTALS | 33 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 12 | 5 | 1 |
The Negro League Museum does a great job in showcasing the players who barnstormed across the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Their play was revered by the locals and for many countries baseball became the national sport.
The 92nd Major League Baseball All-Star game pulled out of Los Angeles this past Wednesday morning and is now headed to Seattle Washington for next year’s summer classic.
The game this year had several significant twist for Dodgers fans like us. For the first time in 42 years the game was back at Chavez Ravine. The number 42 also represented the coveted number worn by Jackie Robinson. Just as important the game was played on July 19th which happened to coincide with Mrs. Rachel Robinson’s 100th birthday.
For us it was a great experience. We participated in several days at the CapitalOne Ballpark Experience which took over the Los Angeles Convention Center and adjoining L.A. Live complex. We also attended the Home Run derby which was a great exhibition, although as a die-hard baseball fan I must admit some of the duels appeared tainted with manipulation………ummm.
We kicked off the final event by attending the All-Star game. The representation of fans at the game wearing their favorite team gear was just as impressive as the simmering heat. Here are some pics of our experience.
CapitalOne Ballpark Experience
As a person who appreciates the history of the Negro Leagues it was great to attend a panel themed “The Life & Legacy of Jackie Robinson.” To truly understand the impact you would need to familiarize yourself with his stint as a member of the Kansas City Monarchs.
The world remembers Jackie breaking the color barrier in 1947 but another key reason why owners were reluctant to integrate was the huge sums they were making from the popular Negro Leagues who used major league stadiums to play while they were on the road. They were making money hand-over fist, for basically doing nothing but opening the gates. Once they let Jackie in and the other great players followed, the Negro Leagues waned and the owners lost that source of income they had enjoyed for all of the years.” Bob Kendrick, Executive Director Negro League Baseball Museum.
As mentioned we were able to attend the popular Home Run Derby thanks to Jackie from MLB who gifted us with tickets.
We contemplated on going to the game as for month’s we pondered if the tickets would be out of reach for our budget?It was decided the event was too important to pass up so we made adjustments to make sure we could witness the game, as if it took 42 years for the game to land back at the Ravine, more than likely we would not be here physically the next time it was awarded to the Dodgers. Normally we are in Loge 130 but we opted for the right field pavilion for a different experience.
The game was important but the one issue for us was whether Mrs. Robinson would be in attendance? We have seen her numerous times at the Ravine as over the years she has consistently appeared. Even at 99, looking glamorous and regal she was present this past April 15th. Here is a special clip prepared by MLB “Celebrating Rachel”
CELEBRATING RACHEL – CLICK HERE
Understandingly she did not make it but Mookie Betts summoned all players to the home plate area and asked the 54,000+ fans to join him in wishing her a Happy Birthday.
Another highlight was having Denzel Washington, who is no stranger to Dodger Stadium give a poignant presentation on Jackie Robinson.
Denzel tribute
Finally, I haven’t been able to locate the clip but as soon as I do it will be posted. MLB’s Harold Reynold’s featured a special about the Legacy of Jackie Robinson. It featured Spike Lee, President Bill Clinton, Bo Jackson and Bud Selig. IT IS A MUST SEE.
[This is a breaking story….more to follow]
You’ve heard it stated before…..”better late than never!!!!!” The Negro Leagues are celebrating their 100th Anniversary and there has been great interest from those who only read about them or saw limited footage. Today Major League Baseball (MLB) announced the records from the Negro Leagues will be consolidated into the officials records.
Thomas Reports 