In addition to enjoying a Hall-of-Fame career that spanned 10 seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson ultimately broke the color barrier and paved the way for complete inclusion in the Major Leagues.
Last year, Robinson was honored with the first statue outside of Dodger Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day, which is celebrated throughout the league every April 15, the day he made his Major League debut.
A statue of Robinson, depicting his collegiate football career at UCLA, was later installed outside the Rose Bowl. Another honor scheduled to come for the pioneering athlete is the Jackie Robinson Museum, which is on track to be completed by spring 2019.
According to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times, four members of the United States Congress want to further celebrate Robinson’s legacy in the form of a commemorative coin that would recognize the 75th anniversary of his rookie season:
The coins would be sold in $5, $1 and 50-cent denominations and would only be available in 2022. The price includes a surcharge that will benefit the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Hall said in announcing the legislation.
While 2022 is still nearly four years away, it would certainly be a cool gesture if Robinson’s commemorative coin comes to fruition. That proceeds will be donated to the Jackie Robinson Foundation makes the proposal that much more worthwhile and deserving.
A second commemorative coin would additionally honor Cleveland Indians Hall-of-Famer Larry Doby, who was the first African American to play in the American League. He also made his debut in 1945, exactly three months after Robinson’s first game with the Dodgers.
