Major League Baseball (MLB) announced a host of new and refreshed tributes to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic MLB debut on 15 April 1947, as he broke baseball's colour barrier.
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"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," said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. "During this special anniversary year, it is a top priority for MLB to honour Jackie's contributions and legacy, recognize the impact [his wife] 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."
The new features include a special logo for the Diamond Anniversary and the exclusive MLB produced video Play, Run, Win, Rise, written by Eljon Wardally and narrated by Leslie Odom Jr.
As is tradition, players, managers and coaches will wear Robinson's iconic number 42 on 15 April. All teams will be using Dodgerblue jersey numbers for the first time, regardless of their primary team colours.
In association with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 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 15 April.
In a unique call-to-action to the youth baseball & softball community, MLB has provided guidelines to have community leagues play a total of 42 innings over the weekend of 15-17 April.
MLB has agreed all the initiatives with the Robinson Family.
"Our family is thrilled to see the many wonderful tributes to Jack's historic moment 75 years ago," said Rachel Robinson, Jackie's 99-year-old wife. "We will continue to honour his memory and legacy through our work with the Jackie Robinson Foundation. We are proud to have Major League Baseball and so many others as supporters of the young men and women we impact each year."
