The entire MLB is celebrating the 75th anniversary since the MLB debut of the first African American baseball player, Jackie Robinson. The players, former players, clubs, staff, and coaches have raised funds for running charity programs across the United States.
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Jackie Robinson has played one of the most significant roles in including African American players in the MLB. Now, after 75 years since his debut, the MLB has honored him by running charity programs all over the United States.
The entire MLB community will raise funds for The Players Alliance, a non-profit founded by the players, former players, staff, and coaches of the MLB. As of now, the MLB, as well as the MLBPA, have committed to raise funds of $10 million for The Players Alliance.
MLB raises funds for The Players Alliance on Jackie Robinson Day
The Players Alliance has always been there for the needy. Be it during the Covid-19 crisis or like providing baseball equipment to young children. The MLB and the MLBPA donated the game day salary on April 15th.
This date is crucial for MLB as on April 15th, 1947, Jackie Robinson, the first African American player, made his MLB debut. This move broke the color barrier in the MLB. 75 years later, April 15th is celebrated as Jackie Robinson Day. And what better way to celebrate this occasion than to help the people who are in need?
Today we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic @MLB debut. #Jackie42
🎶 "When We Move" by @common feat. @blackthought & @RealSeunKuti pic.twitter.com/JG863Xv2cM
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 15, 2022
Here is what the members of The Players Alliance have to say:
On this special occasion, the members of the Non-profit had a few words to say.
CC Sabathia, Board Member of The Players Alliance, said, “There is a sacred brotherhood in baseball. It’s important to all of us that there’s representation from more of us.”
Adding to Sabathia’s statement, Curtis Granderson, another Board Member of The Players Alliance and also a former MLB player, said, “Players sacrifice their pay because they believe that diversity is an asset that should be actively pursued.”
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The Co-founder of The Players Alliance, and former MLB legend, Edwin Jackson, stated, “No one knows better than us how difficult the journey to professional play is, which is why it’s on us to go into communities and let the kids know that people who look like you play baseball and there is an opportunity for you in this game.“
Players unions join today to honor Jackie Robinson, multi-sport athlete, trailblazer & American icon. In the effort to perpetuate Jackie's legacy and bring about real change, we recommit ourselves to the quest for equality he so courageously pursued. #JackieRobinsonDay #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/x2WjoraXwy
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) April 15, 2022
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The goal of community service is to help and guide the needy. The Players Alliance has taken a huge initiative that is going to be vital for the coming ages.
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