One of David Williams banners shows Black baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson and white Dodgers teammate Pee Wee Reese to draw a comparison to the racial harmony that also existed at the Pond Gap field. John Shearer/Shopper News / USA TODAY NETWORK

MLB announces special tributes for 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking color barrier

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 4/4/22

April 15 will be a historic day for MLB, as the league will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

As is typically the case for every Jackie Robinson Day, players throughout the league will sport Robinson's famous No. 42 on their jerseys. Per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), though, that tradition has an added twist that includes the No. 42 being in Dodger blue for every club regardless of a team's primary colors:

For the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, all players will wear a Dodger blue 42 on the backs of their jerseys on April 15th. pic.twitter.com/Vgkro1BzP3
— MLB (@MLB) April 4, 2022

Players, managers, coaches, and umpires will also have a 75th anniversary logo on their uniforms.

"Seventy-five years ago, Jackie Robinson took the field under incredibly challenging circumstances and unimaginable pressure. Yet through his courage, character, skill, and values, he brought well-needed change to our game and advanced the Civil Rights Movement in our country," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement shared by the league's website. "During this special anniversary year, it is a top priority for MLB to honor Jackie’s contributions and legacy, recognize the impact Rachel has made through the Jackie Robinson Foundation, and continue to keep Jackie’s memory and values alive for today’s generation of players and fans."

Additionally, a video titled "Play, Run, Win, Rise" narrated by actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr. will air in all MLB ballparks and on MLB Network on April 15. That video will also be featured on MLB social media pages and the league's website on Jackie Robinson Day.

HONORING JACKIE ROBINSON: @MLB is revealing a new video, "Play, Run, Win, Rise," to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier. pic.twitter.com/JHUoFOTNYf
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) April 4, 2022

The MLB website also notes that "hundreds of Mayors from across the United States and Puerto Rico will participate in a social media campaign to 'Tip Their Caps' to Jackie Robinson on April 15th."

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