Look: Marcus Stroman has the best Jackie Robinson tattoo of all-time
By Rylie Smith
Chicago Cubs Marcus Stroman starts Jackie Robinson Day off strong with a tattoo honoring the late player.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman shared a tattoo he got of Jackie Robinson, one of the most historic players in MLB. Stroman’s tattoo undoubtedly makes his celebration of Jackie Robinson Day the best one of all time.
Robinson is the most important part of inclusion of Black players in MLB and Stroman expressed his gratitude for him on Twitter.
Beyond thankful and grateful for the legendary life of this man. Your trailblazing efforts paved the way for African Americans to play the sport I love. THANK YOU 42! pic.twitter.com/QpzkrXGjLN
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 15, 2020
Jackie Robinson paved the way for Black players in MLB
Robinson broke the color barrier in MLB when he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers, in 1947. Prior to this, professional players of color were only allowed to play in their own segregated league. Robinson’s incredible talent and outspokenness helped integrate the sport. He quickly became a major part of the civil rights movement.
https://twitter.com/CubsZone/status/1514958779846123531
Robinson’s impact was so influential to MLB that his number, 42, was
retired by every single team throughout the league
. The only time his number is worn is on Jackie Robinson Day in honor of his MLB debut. However, his journey with the Dodgers was an extremely difficult one where he showed immense resiliency.
According to
, “His debut with the Dodgers in 1947 was greeted with a lot of attention—not all of it positive. Although Robinson quickly proved he belonged as a player, the color of his skin was an issue for opposing teams and fans.
Hearing racist taunts from fans and players prior to a game, Dodgers teammate Pee Wee Reese is said to have put his arm around Robinson on the field to indicate that he was accepted by those wearing a Brooklyn uniform. Still, Robinson endured racist obscenities, hate mail and death threats for much of his career.”
He was a strong advocate for equal rights, and his impact in MLB and on the world will forever be remembered.
“Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.” -Jackie Robinson, via History.com
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