Jackie Robinson Day

Jackie Robinson, the man that changed the game. 

Blessed with an athletic skillset suitable for any sport, Jackie was a four-sport letterman at UCLA. Robinson, a running back, was notably one of four black players on the 1939 UCLA football team that finished the season undefeated. He then went on to win the 1940 NCAA championship in the long jump with a jump of 24’ 10 ¼” (7.58m). During his first baseball game for the Bruins in the spring of 1940, Robinson stole home twice(!) and finished the game 4-4 on the day. Needless to say, Jackie Robinson was a natural athlete. 

But natural athletes come and go. Jackie was more than just an athlete. Jackie Robinson was a man. An educated man of bravery, courage, and grace. Jackie served as a second lieutenant in the army following his time at UCLA. He was a husband to his wife Rachel and a father to his children Jackie Jr., Sharon, and David. 

In the face of hatred and bigotry, Jackie Robinson did what very few people ever could; he turned the other cheek while performing at a Hall of Fame level for ten seasons with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He won the National League MVP in 1949 and a World Series Championship in 1955. His .409 on-base percentage ranks 35th amongst all MLB players. Oh and during his career, he stole home plate 19 times.

Jackie Robinson was the player kids dream of becoming and the man, your parents hope you become. And every spring, baseball offers one special day to remember his greatness and honor his legacy!

Why is Jackie Robinson Day On April 15th?

Jackie Robinson Day is annually celebrated across Major League Baseball on April 15. The MLB honors him because, on April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the MLB color barrier with his historic debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The celebration is topped off by having every player and on-field personnel wear Jackie’s #42.

When did MLB start Jackie Robinson Day?

In 2004, MLB commissioner Bud Selig recognized the first league-wide celebration of Jackie Robinson Day. Teams and players around the league paid tribute to the man that broke the 80-year color barrier in Major League Baseball. Since 2004, every MLB season has dedicated April 15 to honor Jackie Robinson.

(Jackie Robinson During His Time In The Negro Leagues - NLBM)

What does the MLB do on Jackie Robinson Day?

Over the years, the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day has been implemented in many ways. As mentioned above, all 30 teams have each player wear the number 42 in honor of the trailblazer.

In 2022, a bunch of unique methods of celebration were added as New York City temporaraily renamed 42nd Street and Broadway, Jackie Robinson way. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum set up a special exhibit at Dodger Stadium to showcase the courage of players who played a part in breaking baseball's color barrier. And while that exhibit was on display; Jackie's widow, Rachel Robinson (who is now over 100 years old), made a special appearance on the field in LA.

Where can I buy some Jackie Robinson gear?

Our friends over at Routine have created a few unique items to honor Jackie’s game-changing legacy. The Today We Wear 42 collection is inspired by the idea of celebrating Jackie Robinson, not just on April 15, but throughout the entire year.

Shop Today We All Wear 42

How can I learn more about Jackie Robinson?

If you are interested in learning more about Jackie Robinson, we highly recommend watching the following episode of Storied as the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Bob Kendrick, shares his take on the man that broke MLB’s color barrier: 

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We hope that you enjoyed the information we've put forth in preparation for Jackie Robinson Day! If you still find yourself in need of a ball glove, please reach out to our Glove Experts. They can be reached on phone via 866-321-4568, through email via experts@justgloves.com or by live chatting right here!