It’s April 15 and that means it’s Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball.
A celebration of Robinson breaking the Major League colour barrier 71 years ago, every player, manager and umpire participating in games Sunday will wear Robinson’s iconic No. 42.
An important day on the baseball calendar, it makes the second straight rain-caused postponement between the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians sting that much more, particularly because Toronto outfielder Curtis Granderson was planning on wearing cleats that would not only honour Robinson but also Larry Doby, the first player to break the American League’s colour barrier.
Additionally, Granderson’s Blue Jays teammate, Marcus Stroman, publicly voiced his displeasure at Mother Nature spoiling such an important date for baseball while praising Robinson’s ground-breaking actions.
No game today. Doesn’t feel right not playing baseball on Jackie Robinson day. So grateful and thankful for Mr. Robinson. His visionary actions allowed me to play the game I love. Breaking color barriers and challenging societal norms. Forever thankful!
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) April 15, 2018
Of course, Blue Jays players weren’t the only ones celebrating the day on social media. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the baseball world:
Today, we all wear 42. Today, we are all the same. #JackieRobinsonDay
— Dexter Fowler #25 (@DexterFowler) April 15, 2018
Happy Jackie Robinson day everybody! #ThankyouJackie
— Lewis Brinson (@LewisBrinson) April 15, 2018
#jackierobinsonday pic.twitter.com/cg4QSD2Ewu
— Tommy Pham (@TphamLV) April 15, 2018
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