History of Jackie Robinson Day in Timeline

Jackie Robinson Day, held annually on April 15th in Major League Baseball (MLB), honors Jackie Robinson's MLB debut. Every year, players, coaches, managers, and umpires wear Robinson's number 42 to commemorate his breaking of the color barrier in baseball. The date marks the anniversary of Robinson's first game on Opening Day in 1947, a pivotal moment in sports and civil rights history. The event serves as a reminder of the challenges Robinson faced and his lasting impact on baseball and American society.

April 15, 1947: Jackie Robinson's Major League Debut

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made his major league debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, breaking the color barrier in baseball before a crowd of 26,623 spectators.

1947: Jackie Robinson's debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers

In 1947, Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers, now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending approximately 80 years of baseball segregation, known as the baseball color line or color barrier.

1947: Jackie Robinson's Major League Debut

In 1947, Jackie Robinson made his major league debut, marking Opening Day for his first season in the major leagues. This event is now commemorated annually as Jackie Robinson Day.

1948: Allie Reynolds' Road Start Streak

In 1948, Allie Reynolds had a 25-game streak without losing a road start.

1949: Allie Reynolds' Road Start Streak

In 1949, Allie Reynolds continued his 25-game streak without losing a road start.

1962: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in baseball history.

1973: Creation of the Jackie Robinson Foundation

In 1973, Rachel Robinson, Jackie Robinson's wife, created the Jackie Robinson Foundation to honor his legacy.

April 1997: 50th Anniversary Celebration at Shea Stadium

In April 1997, Rachel Robinson and President Bill Clinton joined Commissioner Selig at Shea Stadium to honor Jackie Robinson on the 50th anniversary of his first game, retiring his uniform number 42 in perpetuity.

1997: MLB Retires Jackie Robinson's Number 42

In 1997, Major League Baseball (MLB) retired Jackie Robinson's uniform number, 42, across all major league teams, honoring him as the first pro athlete in any sport to receive this distinction.

1997: Number 42 Retired for All MLB Teams

In 1997, Number 42 was retired for all Major League Baseball teams in a ceremony at Shea Stadium on the 50th anniversary of Robinson's first game with the Dodgers.

1997: Retirement of Jackie Robinson's Number 42 Jersey

In 1997, Shea Stadium commemorated the retirement of Jackie Robinson's number 42 jersey, marking a significant moment in baseball history.

August 23, 1999: Dodgers' Stolen Bases Record

On August 23, 1999, the Los Angeles Dodgers stole seven bases in a game against Milwaukee, marking their most stolen bases since that game.

March 2004: Announcement of Jackie Robinson Day

In March 2004, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced that Major League Baseball would honor Jackie Robinson on April 15 as "Jackie Robinson Day", starting an annual tradition.

April 15, 2004: First Jackie Robinson Day

On April 15, 2004, the first Jackie Robinson Day was initiated, celebrating Robinson's career and his role in ending baseball segregation.

2004: Initial Jackie Robinson Day Celebrations

In 2004, Jackie Robinson Day was celebrated in 13 ballparks with festivities and tributes to Jackie Robinson.

April 15, 2005: Official Annual Jackie Robinson Day

On April 15, 2005, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig officially declared that every April 15 would be designated as Jackie Robinson Day, celebrated throughout Major League Baseball with video tributes and recognition of Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars.

March 2007: Players' Opinions on Jackie Robinson Day

In March 2007, some baseball players voiced concerns that having too many players wearing number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day would diminish its significance.

April 15, 2007: 60th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson's Debut

On April 15, 2007, the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's major league debut was celebrated with ceremonies at Dodger Stadium. Ken Griffey Jr. received permission to wear number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day.

April 23, 2007: Makeup Jackie Robinson Day Celebrations

On April 23, 2007, makeup games for teams such as the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies were held, including Jackie Robinson Day ceremonies and the wearing of number 42 jerseys, following weather postponements on April 15.

April 15, 2008: Expanded Jackie Robinson Day Participation

On April 15, 2008, more than 330 team members wore number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson, and all players, managers, and coaches wore the number during games, expanding the celebration.

2009: Jackie Robinson Rotunda Dedication at Citi Field

In 2009, the Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field, the New York Mets' new home, was dedicated. All uniformed personnel wore number 42 for the day, with a makeup game on May 16 due to rain.

2011: Establishment of MLB Website iam42.com

In 2011, on the 64th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut, a new MLB website, www.iam42.com, was established to honor his legacy.

2013: Mariano Rivera's Retirement

In 2013, Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees, the last player to regularly wear Number 42, retired at the end of the season.

2013: Release of the Film '42'

In 2013, the film '42' was released, depicting Jackie Robinson's story. Chadwick Boseman, who played Robinson, received high praise for his role.

Loading Video...

2014: Celebration at Historic Dodgertown

In 2014, the 67th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut was celebrated at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida, with a minor league exhibition game.

2017: Unveiling of Jackie Robinson Statue at Dodger Stadium

In 2017, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's major league debut, the Dodgers unveiled a bronze statue of Robinson at Dodger Stadium.

2018: Jackie Robinson Legacy Honored in Makeup Games

In 2018, due to weather postponements, the Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers honored Jackie Robinson's legacy in makeup games on May 14 and June 4, respectively.

2019: 72nd Anniversary Observed Over Two Days

In 2019, the 72nd anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut was observed on both April 15 and 16 due to scheduling, leading to criticism from David Price regarding MLB not having all 30 teams play on April 15.

August 26, 2020: MLB Player Boycotts Begin

On August 26, 2020, in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, Major League Baseball player boycotts began with a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds.

2020: MLB Honoring of Jackie Robinson Day Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, Major League Baseball honored Jackie Robinson on their social media platforms and the MLB Network on Jackie Robinson Day. However, no games were played due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the on-field celebrations were postponed.

2022: MLB Uniform Changes Commemorating Jackie Robinson

Starting in 2022, the number 42 on the back of all MLB teams' uniforms was rendered in Dodger blue. A patch commemorating the 75th anniversary of Robinson's debut also appeared on all uniforms.