Major League Baseball and the Braves Celebrate the Legend of Jackie Robinson
On Wednesday, April 15, 2009 for the first time in history, every player in Major League Baseball and coach wore a number 42 jersey in commemoration of Jackie Robinson. Sixty-two years ago, Robinson integrated Major League Baseball becoming the first African American to play professionally. Breaking the color barrier created a gateway for African Americans gain acceptance as equals in the sport by using their talents on the same playing fields as their counter parts.
Today’s MLB players feel immense gratitude for Robinson’s efforts and many remember his legendary achievements. Terry Pendleton is a former MLB player and current Atlanta Braves hitting coach who says he’s grateful for the path that Jackie Robinson paved to provide opportunities for players of color. “The number 42 shows us that we haven’t forgotten about Jackie Robinson and what he and his family did for all of us,” Pendleton said. “He gave us the opportunity to play this great game of baseball. I don’t know how to express what it’s meant to have this opportunity.”
The Jackie Robinson Foundation was created to provide academic scholarships for deserving minority students. Twelve students were recognized for their scholastic achievements and received scholarships before the Atlanta Braves vs. Florida Marlins game on Jackie Robinson Day. Scholarship Recipient Michael Tabb is currently a student at Georgia Tech and says the gift is especially important to him because of his financial situation. “The foundation has allowed me to attend college. Without the Jackie Robinson Foundation I would have had a hard time trying to pay for school,” says Tabb. “It means so much to me to be honored and associated with Jackie Robinson ”
Laura Riley also received a scholarship award, but says she feels the program provides much more than financial support. “I had an overwhelming fear of going to college. … I didn’t know if I would fit in. Being with the Jackie Robinson Foundation they told me I could do anything and that my possibilities are endless.”
Jackie Robinson played one season for the Negro Baseball League before the Brooklyn Dodgers picked him up. He became National Rookie of the Year with 12 home runs, a league-leading 29 steals and a .297 average. Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. –kim smith
