‘Champion for Racial, Social Equality’: Jackie Robinson Museum Opens In New York
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 08:45PM By Barry Janoff
July 26, 2022: On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson changed baseball and sports forever when he stepped onto Ebbets Field for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
In 1962, he was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
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.
This past April, MLB celebrated the 75th anniversary of that occasion.
Today, the Jackie Robinson Museum had its ceremonial opening in New York after more than a decade in the planning stages under the auspices of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and Jackie’s wife, Rachael Robinson.
“The Museum seeks to bring people from all walks together to commune and appreciate each other’s humanity and diverse experiences,” according to the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
“It will serve as a forum for debate and discussion reflecting the ways in which we as a society can make progress by working together to solve difficult social issues and by appreciating how one life can make a difference.”
Located at One Hudson Square, 75 Varick Street, NY, the Jackie Robinson Museum is 19,380 sq. ft., of which more than 11,000 sq ft. includes changing and permanent exhibit dedicated to the legacy of Jackie Robinson.
It currently holds more than 4,500 artifacts, including playing equipment and such hisorical items as Robinson’s 1946 Minor League contract ($600 a month) and his 1947 rookie contract f($5,000).
There are also 40,000 historical images, 450-plus hours of “broadcast quality” video footage and a second floor for education and research.
The museum opens to the public on Sept. 5.
Those in attendance at the ceremonial opening today included Rachel Robinson (who turned 100 on July 19 and was honored that day during MLB’s All-Star Game in Dodger Stadium), children Sharon and David, New York City mayor Eric Adams, former New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon, MLB Players’ Assn. president Tony Clark, Hall of Fame president Josh Rawitch, New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman, director/actor Spike Lee and tennis icon and human rights advocate Billie Jean King.
According to the Jackie Robinson Foundation, “The Jackie Robinson Museum will celebrate the enduring legacy of one of the most important Americans of the 20th century.
“The exhibition will chronicle Jackie Robinson’s trailblazing achievements against the backdrop of United States history, from his birth in 1919 to today. Invoking Robinson’s role as a champion for racial, social, and economic equality, the Museum’s programming will place an emphasis on dialogue around critical issues that continue to challenge our society.
“The Museum will serve as a venue for vibrant dialogue on critical social issues and innovative educational programming.
“The Museum seeks to bring people from all walks together to commune and appreciate each other’s humanity and diverse experiences."
“To educate visitors about Jackie Robinson, the athlete, activist, patriot, entrepreneur, and family man.
“To inspire those interested in the history of social change and the prescription for greater progress.
“To challenge people of all ages to pursue a life of achievement and purpose.”
Within the Museum, people will "learn about or become more familiar with Robinson’s life and legacy."
Via the Jackie Robinson Foundation, “On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era.
"He would later become the first African American named a vice-president at a fortune 500 company; serve as an advisor to politicians; start a bank and a housing development company; and, was a key figure in advancing equal opportunity and first-class citizenship for all Americans during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ‘60s.”
Among his MLB accolades, he was named NL Rookie of the Year in 1947, NL MVP in 1949, and was part of the World Series champion Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955.
He passed away on Oct. 24, 1972 at the age of 53.
MLB Honors Jackie Robinson 75th Anniversary Debut
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