MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson Day on April 15 every year to remember the first time he played a major league game, back in 1947.
Today, we also celebrate the legendary Robinson – he was born on this day, but in 1919.
“Today, we remember a legend. Jackie Robinson was born on this day 104 years ago,” MLB tweeted.
The Robinson last name has a deep meaning for baseball fans.
He is the symbol of unity and equality because he was the first Black player ever to play in the major leagues.
We are able to remember April 15 and January 31 with joy today.
However, Robinson had to go through a lot back in the day.
He had to go against a deeply racist society as the sole Black player.
He got called names, he and his pregnant wife received death threats almost on a weekly basis, and he was utterly disrespected by opposing players and even some of his teammates.
Today, we remember a legend.
Jackie Robinson was born on this day 104 years ago. 4⃣2⃣ pic.twitter.com/NfYRsyybqh
— MLB (@MLB) January 31, 2023
The world wasn’t ready for a Black player in MLB, but something had to give.
Robinson had to prove to them that there wouldn’t be any issues if he played in MLB.
Society, back then, was afraid of many things, and Black players entering professional sports, for some reason, was one of them.
But he was strong and determined enough to endure all the pain and pave the way for others.
Don Newcombe, Larry Doby, Roy Campanella, Monte Irvin, Satchel Paige, and many other talented Negro League stars started to appear in MLB rosters.
It was all thanks to Jackie.
Today, we celebrate his birth and all his contributions in baseball and in life.
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