Players Alliance Joins With MLB Players To Enhance Jackie Robinson Day Activation

By Barry Janoff

April 12, 2023: Adding to an already full schedule of planned events for Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, The Players Alliance said it would partner with more than 200 MLB players and coaches and several teams “in ongoing efforts to increase access and opportunities for Black communities in every aspect of the game of baseball.”

The Players Alliance is an “independent, nonprofit organization created to address baseball's systematic equity and inclusion barriers by creating and supporting pathways on and off the field for an undeniable pipeline of Black talent.”

On April 15 across MLB, all players wear No. 42 in solidarity to commemorate Robinson.

Players and coaches aligned with The Players Alliance will be seen wearing the organization’s 2023 Jackie Robinson T-shirt and black wristband showcasing Robinson's Nine Values: courage, determination, commitment, persistence, integrity, justice, teamwork, citizenship and excellence.

The Players Alliance said it has aligned with such MLB players and coaches as Mookie Betts, Byron Buxton, Patrick Corbin, JP Crawford, Lucas Giolito, Clayton Kershaw, Matt Olson, Dansby Swanson, Taijuan Walker and Christian Yelich.

The Players Alliance will also partner with several MLB clubs and groups, including the 2022 World Series champion Houston Astros, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Every year we're lucky to have players show great generosity to our mission,” Curtis Granderson, former MLB player and current The Players Alliance board chairman, said via the organization.

“Last year, player support allowed us to provide vital equipment, scholarships, grants, and new fields for 9,000 youth players around the country. This year, the organization is providing even more tangible opportunities for fans to witness the collective impact of player leadership."

All 30 MLB clubs will be on the field April 15 (barring inclement weather), including the Dodgers hosting the Chicago Cubs in Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers are planning several on- and off-field activities, including a replica Jackie Robinson jersey  giveaway (while supplies last).

The Jackie Robinson Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary, established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson to perpetuate the memory of her husband.

The Jackie Robinson Museum in New York (One Hudson Square, 75 Varick Street) opened this past September to the public and is celebrating its first Jackie Robinson Day on April 14 and April 15 with activities including a screening of The Jackie Robinson Story (1950) starring Robinson himself; and 42 (2013), with Chadwick Boseman as Robinson.

“I am thrilled to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Jackie Robinson Foundation along with the first year of our new Jackie Robinson Museum,” Rachel Robinson said via MLB.

“I thank Major League Baseball, the teams, players and fans for celebrating this legacy on Saturday and throughout the year. On behalf of our family, I want to wish everyone a truly wonderful Jackie Robinson Day.”

The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY — into which Robinson was inducted in 1962 — has been honoring Robinson all month, and will have special tours, activities and a screening of 42 on April 15.

The Astros, which will be playing the Rangers in Minute Maid Park on April 15, will host with The Players Alliance 75 Black high school baseball and softball players for an “Equip The Future™ mentorship clinic and equipment donation.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will partner with The Players Alliance to auction a 2020 World Series Championship ring donated by Cy Young winner David Price.

"When people see teams actually serving together and players sacrificing their World Series ring for a cause they believe in, it makes Jackie's legacy real to today's audience," CC Sabathia, former MLB player and The Players Alliance board vice-chair, said via the group.

"They can clearly see that the hearts of today's players are in lockstep with the mission of The Players Alliance."

Capital One is continuing its partnership with the Jackie Robinson Foundation for the second year in a row.

Throughout the 2023 season, Capital One will donate $1,000 to the Jackie Robinson Foundation for each “Capital One Walk-Off” (game-winning hit) this year — committing to a minimum total donation of $250,000 for the season.

Beyond activities, merchandise commemorating Robinson includes special edition 2023 Jackie Robinson Day gear at Fanatics.com, for all 30 Major League Baseball teams.

MLB retired Robinson’s No. 42 throughout the Majors in 1997 on the 50th anniversary of his breaking the color barrier in the Major Leagues, dedicated April 15 as Jackie Robinson Day annually in 2004, and since 2009 has requested that every player and all on-field personnel wear his No. 42 during games scheduled on Jackie Robinson Day.

Last April, MLB celebrated the 75th anniversary of that occasion.

See full schedule of MLB activation here.

Jackie Robinson Museum Opens In New York

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