They say behind every successful man is a supportive woman. Setting aside the gender role discussion, the statement holds for MLB’s great Jackie Robinson. The late ballplayer needs no introduction since he played an instrumental role in the sports world in the last century. But one person who deserves more time in the spotlight is his wife, Rachel.
Since the former Los Angeles Dodgers player passed away in 1972, Ms. Robinson has dedicated her life to honoring his legacy. From founding the Jackie Robinson Foundation to receiving numerous awards for her work, Rachel Robinson is truly a baseball royalty. And to celebrate her spending more than 100 years on this earth, even the Derek Jeter family wished her health.
Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation and Sharlee Jeter Celebrate Rachel Robinson
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The Jeter family leaves no stone unturned in giving credit where it’s due. And to honor Ms. Robinson’s 101st birthday on July 19th, the Turn 2 Foundation turned to Instagram for a tribute.
Featuring a picture that shows her with a baseball in hand, the caption reads, “Wishing a happy birthday to civil rights activist and founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Rachel Robinson.”
View this post on Instagram
Derek Jeter’s non-profit has long focused on providing equal opportunities for kids to learn, something it shares in common with the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
The caption of their post continues, “Mrs. Robinson continues to inspire so many to advocate for social justice and equality, and her mission to level the playing field for youth through @jrfoundation deeply resonates with us at #Turn2.”
Sharlee Jeter later reshared the post to her story and was joined by millions of other fans doing the same.
Baseball World Unites For 101st Birthday of Baseball Royalty
Given the pioneering nature of Rachel Robinson, it’s no wonder that thousands around the world want to emulate her. Having earned the Buck O’Neill Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, she firmly cemented her place in MLB history.
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MLB’s official post clarifies more of her achievements, and indeed ‘baseball royalty’ is the correct way to describe her.
Happy 101st birthday to baseball royalty, Rachel Robinson.
-Wife of the great Jackie Robinson
-Founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation
-2007 Recipient of the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award pic.twitter.com/pK1j0ao3EJ— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2023
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Happy birthday, Rachel Robinson. May your legacy forever shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all.
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