Jackie Robinson Day is one of the more recognized and celebrated dates on the Major League Baseball calendar, and while games won’t be played this April 15 because the season remains indefinitely suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the icon will nonetheless be celebrated.
This year, Jackie Robinson Day activities will be virtual, centering on social media and online platforms to underscore the importance of staying safe and healthy at home. It will consist of educational programming with the Jackie Robinson Foundation, social media content inspired by the Hall of Famer, archived footage, special broadcasts on MLB Network, and a celebrity DJ set.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is launching a new “Jackie Robinson Day Virtual Learning Hub,” which is a platform to deliver educational programming to educators and parents for students in grades K-12, at JRLegacy.org.
Divided by age groups, the programming will address different aspects of Robinson’s life and legacy. The hub will feature video vignettes of his daughter, Sharon, as well as former MLB players reading excerpts of her book “Jackie Robinson: American Hero.”
Additional resources will include conversational prompts for in-home discussion and more. MLB also will feature printable education activities aimed at providing kids information on Robinson’s life and legacy. Activities include a coloring page, crossword puzzle, connect-the-dots and word search.
Beginning at 4:00 a.m. PT, MLB.com will live stream 12 hours of Jackie Robinson-related programming. Moreover, DJ Envy (Instagram handle: @DJEnvy) will host a special set on Instagram from 4 to 6 p.m. MLB players and celebrity guests will make special appearances throughout the set.
MLB also will stream the 1955 World Series film at 4:00 p.m. PT on MLB YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, as well as Las Mayores Facebook and Twitter.
MLB.com streaming schedule for Jackie Robinson Day (all times PT)
4:00 a.m.: 2012 Jackie Robinson Day (San Diego Padres @ Los Angeles Dodgers)
Highlights including a home run by Matt Kemp, triple play by the Dodgers defense, and a walk-off home run by Dee Gordon.
8:00 a.m.: 1955 World Series Film
The first World Series title in Dodgers franchise history and the only championship in Brooklyn. The film also features Robinson’s famous steal of home against the New York Yankees.
9:00 a.m.: Letters To Jackie
MLB Network special that focuses on Robinson’s role in the American civil rights movement, primarily after he retired from baseball. The story is told in his own words, with letters he wrote throughout his lifetime to his wife, Rachel, their children, pen pals and political figures such as President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
10:00 a.m.: April 15, 1997 Game and Ceremony at Shea Stadium (Dodgers @ New York Mets)
Features the historic moment when Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig retired Robinson’s No. 42 jersey league-wide alongside Rachel Robinson and President Bill Clinton, marking the 50th anniversary of Jackie breaking baseball’s color barrier.
1:00 p.m.: 2019 Jackie Robinson Day (Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies)
Highlights include MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and Jamie Foxx participating in the ceremonial first pitch, and Bryce Harper and Robinson Canó.
Fans are invited to celebrate the day and post recorded messages and photos on social media of what Robinson and his legacy mean to them, using the hashtag #Jackie42.
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