Jackie Robinson Day – April 15, 2016
[updated]
On April 15, 2016 Major League Baseball will be celebrating Jackie Robinson Day. The day marks the 69th anniversary that “Jackie” broke into the big leagues.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be hosting the San Francisco Giants and the game pits two premiere players in today’s game; Clayton Kershaw versus Madison Bumgarner
A must see clip from High Heat hosted by Chris Russo as Larry King talks about Jackie Robinson and the great Vin Scully.
PREVIOUS JACKIE ROBINSON CELEBRATIONS
2010
Two popular faces who changed how Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated.
Earlier in his career, Ken Griffey, Jr. admitted to knowing little, if anything about Jackie Robinson, however after quickly hitting the books and talking to players he came to his senses. It was in 1997 that he petitioned Major League Baseball to allow all players to wear the coveted #42 in honor of Robinson.
“Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr. called Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig and received permission to wear uniform Number 42 on Sunday, April 15th to honor Jackie Robinson on the 60th anniversary of his Major League debut,” MLB
A gifted player, in 1985 Vince Coleman stated he did not know Jackie Robinson! Worse, he intimated because of that he didn’t owe him anything, let alone honoring his contribution to Baseball and the Nation.
“I don’t know nothin’ about him. Why are you asking me about Jackie Robinson?” Responding to Coleman, Rachel Robinson, Jackie Robinson’s widow said, “I hope somehow he’ll learn and be embarrassed by his own ignorance.”
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To see the excellent documentary produced by Ken Burns, please click below. There are two segments, 2 hours per segment. For historians, baseball fans and people who enjoy information, they are a must see. CLICK HERE
In preparation of the 2016 version of Jackie Robinson Day, noted documentarian Ken Burns has once again prepared a masterpiece.
Here are some comments about why he felt this piece is so special…….
