In Honor of #42: Chicago Cubs celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on April 20 |
The legacy of Jackie Robinson, the first Black baseball player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball, is celebrated every year on April 15th, which is known as Jackie Robinson Day.
The Chicago Cubs will honor Robinson this year on Thursday, April 20th, as they face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Before the game, the Cubs will have a number of events to celebrate Robinson’s life and legacy. The Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” will be sung along with the national anthem. The team will also honor Jack Robinson Foundation scholars and 100 Black Men of Chicago, a local organization that supports and empowers Black youth through mentoring, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. These organizations will be recognized on the field before the game. Throughout the ballpark, fans will see “42” flags flying in honor of Robinson’s jersey number. The Cubs will also sell special Robinson merchandise at the Cubs Team Store at Gallagher Way, with part of the proceeds benefiting 100 Black Men of Chicago. In addition to the pregame festivities, the Cubs have invited Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith to throw out the first pitch and Stephen Bardo, a member of the 80’s Flying Illini basketball team, to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch. Celebrating Jackie Robinson Day at Wrigley Field is an important reminder of the impact that Robinson had not just on baseball, but on American society as a whole. His courage and resilience in the face of discrimination paved the way for generations of Black athletes to follow in his footsteps. The Cubs’ celebration of Robinson’s legacy is a testament to the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality for all.
