Why are MLB players wearing 42 today?
By John Buhler
Jackie Robinson is the reason why MLB has all of its teams wear No. 42 jerseys every April 15.
Every April 15, MLB honors the life and legacy of the most important player in the history of professional sports, Jackie Robinson.
On April 15, 1947, Robinson broke the color barrier when debuting with the then-Brooklyn Dodgers. Prior to his monumental breakthrough, America’s pastime had been segregated. While Robinson had a hall-of-fame playing career in his own right, what he meant for sports and Americana in general can never be fully appreciated. MLB has always made it a point to honor him.
His No. 42 jersey is retired by every team in baseball. Every April 15, we remember his sacrifices.
Jackie Robinson is why MLB players wear No. 42 jerseys every April 15
For those who are unfamiliar with Robinson’s story, I highly recommend watching 42, starring the late Chadwick Boseman. Robinson was born in rural Georgia, but grew up in Southern California. Despite being a multi-sport star at UCLA, Robinson was dealt with insurmountable racism during his athletic career, culminating with his ascension to the big leagues in 1947 with the Dodgers.
One thing 42 did a great job of was showcasing the friendship between Robinson and fellow Dodgers infielder Pee Wee Reese. A great player in his own right, Reese’s genuine and lifelong bond with Robinson helped transcend sports. Without his support of Robinson, who knows if sports would have the power to bring people from all walks of life together like they do now?
What this clip from the movie and don’t tell me that it’s not powerful.
While baseball has gotten a lot of things wrong in recent years, it has made it a point to honor the legends of the past with great care. Whether it be Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, Lou Gehrig or whomever, baseball does a phenomenal job of highlighting its greatest and most important players in a way that helps its game transcend time and sport. Robinson tops this list.
Every April 15 going forward, forever and always, will always be about the man who wore No. 42.
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