Baseball Honors Pasadena Legend Jackie Robinson at Dodgers Stadium Wednesday

The 2015 Civil Rights game was held at Dodgers Stadium last night; an ideal setting to honor the legacy of Pasadena resident, Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. On April 15th, 1947, Robinson made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers, a moment that would transcend professional sports, and American society as a whole.

Rachel Robinson played a pivotal role in a first-pitch ceremony prior to the Civil Rights Game on Jackie Robinson Day. In addition to Robinson, the ceremony also featured Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, Dodgers Legend Don Newcombe, Joni Campanella (Roy’s daughter) and scholars from the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Dolores Huerta, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Frank Robinson were recognized during pre-game ceremonies.

Actor and multi-platinum Grammy nominated artist, Tyrese Gibson, performed the National Anthem to a roaring, excited throng.

From the age of one, Jackie called Pasadena home. An alumni of John Muir High School, he was an incredible athlete. He excelled at baseball, obviously, as well as football and track and field. He attended Pasadena Community College, than transferred to UCLA. The rest is history.

The 2015 Civil Rights Game on Jackie Robinson Day was played between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, April 15th, with the Dodgers prevailing by a score of 5-2. The weather was perfect; the crowd was electric, and loud for such an early game in the season. This was the Dodgers fourth victory in a row and improved their record in this young season to six wins and three losses.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson signing his first professional contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1945, which was the first step toward his eventual breaking of the color barrier on April 15, 1947. As has been tradition each April 15th since 2009, Major League Baseball will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with all players and on-field personnel wearing Number ’42’ during that day’s games, including the Civil Rights Game at Dodger Stadium.

Throughout the league, the annual celebration to commemorate the anniversary of Robinson breaking Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 featured on-field, pre-game ceremonies in ballparks throughout the League.

“On behalf of our family and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Major League Baseball for honoring Jack’s historic achievements and his fight for equality both on and off the ball field,” said Rachel Robinson, wife of Jackie Robinson and the founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. “In recognizing Jack’s accomplishments, it is my hope that this commemoration inspires future generations towards impactful service within their own communities and beyond.”

MLB Beacon Awards – Dodgers owner, entrepreneur and philanthropist Earvin “Magic” Johnson and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta received the 2015 MLB Beacon Awards, which recognize individuals whose lives and actions have been emblematic of the spirit of the civil rights movement.

Frank Robinson – Hall of Famer Frank Robinson (MLB Senior Advisor and Honorary American League President) received a special award in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of him becoming Baseball’s first African-American manager. Robinson managed his first game for the Cleveland Indians on April 8, 1975.

All in all a very fitting tribute to Pasadena’s own American Legend-Jackie Robinson.