With the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium for the first time since 2014, manager Dave Roberts, Clayton Kershaw and David Price were among a contingent from the team to visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Hanser Alberto, Yency Almonte, Tyler Anderson, bullpen coach Josh Bard, bench coach Bob Geren, Evan Phillips, Ryan Pepiot, trainer Travis Smith, Trayce Thompson, Alex Vesia and Tony Wolters also were part of the unique visit.
The Dodgers were treated to an hourlong tour of the Negro Leagues Museum by president Bob Kendrick. He guided them through baseball history that touched on not only Jackie Robinson, but Roy Campanella, Hank Aaron, Bud Fowler and Cool Papa Bell, among others.
Roberts, who is the first minority manager in Dodgers franchise history, felt the learning experience was necessary for all involved, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic
“It is mind-blowing to put it in perspective as far as recency and just thinking that those guys had opportunities in the middle of their careers … there were so many players of that caliber that didn’t have the opportunity to play in the major leagues,” Roberts said. “To see a picture of a 17-year-old Hank Aaron, with a ham sandwich and two pairs of clothes to change in and $1.50 in his bag, it’s crazy. It’s a history lesson that we all needed.”
Along with touring the Negro Leagues Museum, the Dodgers celebrated the 75th anniversary of Robinson breaking the MLB color barrier by wearing their 1955 Brooklyn uniform on Saturday. The Royals donned the 1945 Monarchs throwbacks as part of their annual Negro Leagues celebration.
Robinson wore No. 5 with the Monarchs before embarking on a historic MLB career with the Dodgers.
Dodgers gather at Jackie Robinson statue
For the past two years on Jackie Robinson Day, Roberts has led the Dodgers to the bronze statue in the center field plaza for a message centered around carrying forward the goal of equality for all.
This season the Dodgers were accompanied by Jackie’s son, David Robinson.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
