As Black History Month continues, it’s important to honor one of the trailblazers in the Civil Rights movement and the man who helped create more opportunities for aspiring young African-American athletes.
Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball when he suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947.
Robinson certainly had a memorable career, having won a World Series title, a Rookie of the Year Award, an MVP, and a batting title.
Sunday was February 19, and on this day, MLB honored Robinson for his 19 steals of home plate with a nice tribute video narrated by reigning National League Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II.
Jackie Robinson stole home 19 times in his career 😳
🎙️ voiced by @Braves ⭐️ @MoneyyyMikeee #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/YP30VNY4pM
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 19, 2023
Interestingly enough, the NL Rookie of the Year Award is now named after Robinson.
The Atlanta Braves star earned Rookie of the Year honors after bursting onto the scene and providing a spark for the team, so it was only fitting that he got the chance to narrate this story.
Robinson’s most famous steal of home plate came in Game 1 of the 1955 World Series against the New York Yankees.
The seven-time All-Star snuck by Hall-of-Famer and Yankees ace Whitey Ford and barely beat the tag of catcher Yogi Berra.
The video then showed interviews of several MLB legends such as Curtis Granderson, who discussed how impressive it was that Robinson stole home 19 times during his professional career.
The video ended with a snippet of an interview with Berra, who still claimed Robinson was out.
Still, Robinson was bold on the baseball field and helped change the fortunes of not just the game, but aspiring Black athletes as well.
NEXT: MLB Insider Discusses Catchers In New Places This Spring
