(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
BASEBALL PAYS ITS annual tribute to the legendary Jackie Robinson today, 66 years after he made history by breaking the colour barrier and becoming the sport’s first black player.
Teams are wearing special commemorative jerseys with the number 42, the shirt Robinson made famous during his time with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Before his groundbreaking major league debut on 15 April 1947, baseball was racially segregated for almost 60 years with black players forced to line out in so-called “Negro Leagues.” Signed by Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, Robinson went on to win six All-Star awards as well as a World Series in 1955.
The celebrations are drawing particular attention this year following the release of a film biopic about Robinson, 42, which made its debut in America last weekend. No UK and Ireland cinema release has been confirmed yet for the film which stars Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and Harrison Ford as Rickey.
Ford will throw out the first pitch when the Dodgers host the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium tonight.
Here’s the trailer:
YouTube Credit: movieclipsTRAILERS
– Additional reporting by AP
