Dodgers MLB Jackie Robinson Day

MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson's 77th anniversary. Dodgers and Nationals gather at Dodger Stadium to honor his legacy. No. 42 retired league-wide.

Major League Baseball is commemorating the 77th anniversary of the historic day when Jackie Robinson shattered baseball's color barrier by becoming the first Black man to play in the league on April 15, 1947. Robinson spent his entire major league career with the Dodgers in Brooklyn, and the team, along with the Washington Nationals, will come together at Dodger Stadium's Centerfield Plaza to honor him at the statue dedicated to him.

In attendance will be Robinson's granddaughter, Ayo Robinson, civil rights activist Harry Edwards, and scholars from the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which was established in 1973 by his wife Rachel Robinson. The foundation provides college scholarships to students of color who have faced challenges in their youth.

Since 2021, Dodgers players and coaches have gathered annually at the statue to hear manager Dave Roberts speak about Robinson's enduring impact. Last season, the Chicago Cubs joined them at the request of the Dodgers, and current Dodger Jason Heyward delivered a moving speech about Robinson's resilience and determination.

Before the game, a video project titled "Dear Rachel" will be shown, featuring recordings from various influential figures in sports, politics, entertainment, and the Dodgers organization expressing the profound influence Robinson had on their lives.

Throughout MLB, players and coaches will wear the No. 42 in honor of Robinson, a tradition that began in 2009. The number, in Dodger blue, is a symbol of unity across all teams, and players will also don caps with a "42" patch.

In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson's debut, Major League Baseball retired his number 42 league-wide, making it the only number to receive such an honor. Robinson, a Georgia native raised in Pasadena, excelled in multiple sports before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.

His legacy continues to inspire generations of baseball fans and activists, with his story being immortalized in various forms, including the acclaimed 2013 film "42," where he was portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. Robinson's impact on the game and society as a whole remains profound and enduring.