Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Florida A&M Rattlers will wear No. 42 for their Friday game against Mississippi Valley State.
- The school announced the gesture on social media, publicizing the plan for the No. 42 game.
- Jackie Robinson debuted April 15, 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers; April 15 is observed as Jackie Robinson Day.
- Major leaguers wear No. 42 each year to honor Robinson and his impact on baseball and American history.
- Jackie Robinson won Rookie of the Year his first season, made six All-Star teams, and earned the 1949 National League MVP.
Florida A&M will honor the legacy of the man who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier.
The Rattlers baseball team will all wear No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson during their Friday game versus Mississippi Valley State, the school announced on social media.
On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his MLB debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first Black player in the modern major leagues and forever changing the sport. His debut is widely recognized each year as Jackie Robinson Day, a moment baseball uses to celebrate his impact on the game and on American history. Every major leaguer wears Robinson’s number to signify the famed player and his impact on the sport.
The university described the gesture as a way to honor Robinson’s life and legacy and recognize him “as a trailblazer” who opened doors for generations that followed.
In Robinson’s first season with the Dodgers, he went on to win Rookie of the Year before being named to six All-Star teams and capturing National League Most Valuable Player honors in 1949, all while cementing his place as one of baseball’s most influential figures.
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