The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated Jackie Robinson on Monday for what would have been his 103rd birthday by hosting 60 softball and baseball players from John Muir High School for a Q&A session at Dodger Stadium.
Along with inviting students for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Dodgers made a $5,000 donation to John Muir High School in honor of Robinson.
This upcoming season will mark the 75th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball. MLB celebrates the landmark accomplishment every April 15 by having all on-field personnel wear Robinson’s iconic No. 42.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts served as host of the Q&A session and was joined via video conference by David Robinson, one of Jackie and Rachel’s three children.
“This is a real treat. First off, the Dodgers want to welcome you guys here. I remember being your age and having an opportunity to talk to Major League players and NFL players. So for me now to be where I’m at right now, looking at you guys, and look at the man behind me, it’s going to be a special day,” Roberts began.
“I think part of my job and the thing that gives me some of the most joy with my job is being a storyteller. I think you guys know the name Jackie Robinson and his impact, but to hear it from me and his son David, it’s going to be really rewarding, exciting and it’s also going to equip you guys to tell the story yourself.
“That’s what creates a legacy and ultimately is history. For me to be the first man of color to manage the Dodgers, and also be bi-racial and have Asian decent, I hold very dear to my heart.”
Vandalized Robinson marker heading to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, announced the vandalized marker denoting where Robinson grew up in Georgia is permanently moving to Kansas City, Missouri.
The plaque, erected in 2001, was damaged by gunfire last year. The historical marker will go on display in mid-April when the museum celebrates the 75th anniversary of Robinson making his MLB debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
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