The date is not for a journal entry. Instead, it is Jackie Robinson Day across Major League baseball.
Number “42,” worn by every Major League Baseball player in every game played on this date.
It is for respect and flat out awesome.
The Miami Marlins hosted the Chicago Cubs on Jackie’s day. The fact that every player is on the baseball field wearing an important number without their last names on it is a sight to be seen.
It all began with the kid. Ken Griffey Jr. wanted to wear the No. 42 honoring the day Robinson broke the baseball color line when the Brooklyn Dodgers started him at first base on April 15, 1947.
Griffey Jr. called then MLB Commissioner Bud Selig who did not say no instead wanted to ask Robinson’s widow Rachel who agreed to it. As has been tradition each April 15 since 2004, the Marlins, Cubs along with Major League Baseball commemorated Jackie Robinson Day.
In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, Marlins outfielder Curtis Granderson’s GrandKids Foundation hosted 42 kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade at the game along with other activities by the Marlins.
“I remember thinking once I get to the big leagues, I hope I get to be one of those guys who wear 42,” Granderson stated. “When they made it for everybody, it was cool to know you had that day coming up, year in and year out especially in the beginning of the season when there is so much attention on the game already.”
The group watched batting practice from the field, meet with players, and participated in a pre-game experience.
“When Jackie crossed over, it opened up the door for me to have teammates from all over the world,” Granderson stated. “It has been cool to count them off. I can go through a bunch of countries. It is really cool to count how many teammates I had from all these different places.”
The game itself belonged to the Cubs (6-9). Yu Darvish struck out eight in a season-high 5 2/3 innings for his first win of the year, and the Cubs beat the Marlins 7-2 Monday.
The Marlins (4-13) have totaled five runs in their past six losses. The top four batters in their lineup finished the night with averages of .152, .213, .221 and .231. Not a good way to honor the iconic “42.”
The Marlins were part of another loss while the Cubs look to improve on a disappointing start to their season.
Everyone wins on Jackie’s day.
