MLB Players Wear Jackie Robinson's No. 42 on 79th Anniversary
Every MLB player, coach and umpire wore No. 42 jerseys Monday to honor Jackie Robinson on the 79th anniversary of him breaking baseball's color barrier. The league-wide tribute happened on Jackie Robinson Day, which MLB celebrates every April 15th.
Every player, coach and umpire across Major League Baseball wore No. 42 jerseys Monday to honor Jackie Robinson on the 79th anniversary of his historic debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Robinson broke baseball's color barrier on April 15, 1947, becoming the first Black player in the modern era of Major League Baseball. His debut ended decades of racial segregation in professional baseball.
MLB has made Jackie Robinson Day an official annual celebration since 2004, with April 15th dedicated to remembering his impact. The tradition of all players wearing his retired number started as a league-wide practice to show unified support for his legacy.
The league first retired Robinson's No. 42 across all teams in 1997, making it the only number retired by every MLB franchise. The annual jersey tribute extends this honor, turning every ballpark into a visual reminder of Robinson's courage and the ongoing importance of equality in sports.
Jackie Robinson's story shows how sports can drive social change and break down racial barriers. His courage in 1947 helped pave the way for equal opportunities in baseball and beyond, making his legacy relevant to ongoing fights for equality today.
MLB will continue honoring Robinson annually on April 15th with the No. 42 jersey tradition.
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