Los Angeles Dodgers Honor Legend Jackie Robinson With Heartwarming Gesture On His Birthday

Some players in Major League Baseball grow to be more than just players; They become icons. And Jackie Robinson can well count himself to be one of them. So much so that the league has even honored him by retiring his number.

However, now, to commemorate his birthday, his alma mater, the John Muir High School collaborated with the LA Dodgers to celebrate his legacy.

Ever so often, a moment comes along in sport when everybody stops to just watch. One of those was when Jackie Robinson featured for the Brooklyn Dodgers on that fateful day in 1947. Robinson took the field as the first player to cross the segregation lines that year and became the first black player in Major League Baseball.

In the years since, he has become an icon for the franchise. Yeah, you won’t see the 42 on any jersey after 1997. Except, of course, on Jackie Robinson day in April, where every player from every team turns out in a #42.

The first baseman left an indelible mark on history and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962 for his legacy. Having won the first National League MVP given to a player of his racial origin in 1949, Robinson was a solid presence at second base. With 6 All-Star appearances in his 10 years with the Dodgers, Robinson had a storied career. And despite falling short of a World Series in his final season, he had plenty of legacy in the league.

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The Dodgers honor Jackie Robinson

The Dodgers had retired Jackie Robinson’s 42 long before the league had. Having won a historic World Series in 1955, Robinson was a big part of the Dodgers’ history. And the organization recognized his contribution. In a meeting of the educational institutions that shaped Jackie Robinson growing up, he attended John Muir High School.

The Dodgers Organization recently collaborated with Robinson’s alma mater, to bring some of their students to the Dodger Stadium for a Q&A with Dave Roberts and Jackie’s son, David Robinson. The students were also reportedly treated to a tour of the Dodger Stadium and an interview in Centerfield Plaza.

Robinson was a multi-sport athlete at his high school, participating not just on the diamond but also with the basketball team. He also played for the school on the gridiron. But the ballpark had his heart. Despite being an accomplished athlete at the varsity level, Robinson chose to go the baseball route and he seems to have done okay by himself.

Robinson certainly left behind a legacy and we must ensure we pass it on generations beyond our own. Not just on occasions like today, but every day through the actions that help the game we love and those who make us fall in love with it.