It's been 77 years since Jackie Robinson made his MLB debut and broke the sport's color barrier.
The league honors Robinson in several ways -- but April 15 is when the entire sport recognizes the former Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman.
Every year on this date since 2004, MLB holds Jackie Robinson Day. And since 2009, every player, manager and coach has worn Robinson's No. 42 for their game that day. Former commissioner Bud Selig retired the jersey number across the league on April 15, 1997, so this is the only occasion where No. 42 is in use.
But that's not all. In addition to donning the Dodger Blue No. 42 on their backs, Robinson will be honored in other ways. Here's what the league announced last week:
- Players, coaches, managers, and umpires will have New Era caps with a “42” side patch.
- Nike Breaking Barriers T-shirts will be worn during batting practice.
- Commemorative base jewels and lineup cards will be used for each game.
- Stance socks with commemorative “42” logo
All 30 teams will be in action on Monday, beginning with the Boston Red Sox hosting the Cleveland Guardians in their annual Monday morning game due to the Boston Marathon.
MLB
To close the day, Robinson's Dodgers will face the Washington Nationals in Los Angeles.
You can learn more about how each club is honoring Robinson on Monday right here.
