New York Yankees – Jackie Robinson Day

This entry was posted by on Friday, 15 April, 2011 at

New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium
The Bronx, New York

April 15, 2011

Throughout Major League Baseball, today is Jackie Robinson Day.  A salute to the 64th anniversary of the day Jackie Robinson made his big league debut at 1st base with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.  On April 15, 1947, he became the first African-American player in the Majors, thus breaking the color barrier.  In tribute to Robinson on this special day, all Major League Baseball players, coaches and umpires will wear No. 42 for tonight’s games.

Mariano Rivera, the Yankees pitcher/closer is the last active player wearing No. 42.  In 1997, the number was retired throughout the Majors to honor Jackie Robinson, though players wearing the number at the time could continue using it.  The Yankees 2nd baseman Robinson Cano wears No. 24 and is named after the legendary first baseman/2nd baseman/3rd baseman/outfielder.

Jackie Robinson played his Rookie Year at 1st base.  In 1948, during his second season, he played 116 games at 2nd base, 30 at 1st base and 6 games at 3rd base. From 1949 to 1952, Jackie Robinson thrilled the fans at 2nd base.  During his career he played in 1,382 games, 745 games at 2nd base.   

As part of the pregame celebration, Major League Baseball and the Yankees held an on-field ceremony which included the first lady of baseball, Jackie’s wife, Rachel Robinson, Founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and their daughter Sharon Robinson.

Let’s play ball.

Tom0rrow in Yankees History: 
April 16, 2009
Inaugural game at the new Yankee Stadium a 10-2 loss vs. Cleveland Indians.
CC Sabathia throws the game’s first pitch, Johnny Damon records the first hit and Jorge Posada hits the first home run.

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