Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate Jackie Robinson day virtually
Apr 15, 2020, 7:00 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray works in the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, April 16, 2019, in Atlanta. Players on both teams wore No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Although it wasn’t the typical celebration, the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrated Jackie Robinson day virtually.
“It’s vital for us not to forget the importance of this day and the importance of what Jackie Robinson did for the game of baseball and what he means for the game of baseball,” D-backs pitcher Edwin Jackson said in a Twitter video.
“Although this isn’t the typical Jackie Robinson Day in the game of baseball, it is vital for us not to forget the importance of this day.”
–@EJ36 on #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/vKFIkhcGOj
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 15, 2020
The D-backs also posted a video featuring Arizona State football coach Herm Edwards thanking Robinson for building the bridge of opportunity.
“His ability to play the game, his class and dignity and how he represented the game, offered a bridige for other men of color to have an opportunity to play the game of baseball and from there it spun onto all sports,” Edwards said in the video.
Jackie Robinson's impact transcended baseball.@ASUFootball head coach @HermEdwards on #Jackie42. pic.twitter.com/AA8iXjPL1C
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 15, 2020
On April 15, 1947, Robinson played in his first major league game. He was the first African American player to appear in the majors since 1884. In his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he went 0-for-3.
In 1997, his No. 42 was retired throughout the majors.
Jackie Robinson Day started in 2004. Since 2009, all players, coaches and managers have worn No. 42 to honor the day.
Because of coronavirus, the Jackie Robinson Museum launched an interactive portal to learn about Robinson. It provides a list of games, video clips, readings and craft projects for people to engage with.
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