Friday, April 15, 2011

Happy Jackie Robinson Day

Once again, all MLB teams will be wearing the number 42. And now, Jackie Robinson has gone digital as well. From a Dodgers press release:

IAM42.com Features Video Tributes from MLB All-Stars Jason Heyward, Prince Fielder, David Price, Mariano Rivera and David Wright

Major League Baseball is commemorating the eighth annual Jackie Robinson Day on Friday, April 15 with the launch of the new ‘IAM42.com’ online campaign, multiple events, and, once again, all players and on-field personnel wearing the number 42.

“Each year, Jackie Robinson Day is an occasion for us to pause and reflect on the game’s proudest and most powerful moment,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “Jackie’s legacy is as strong and vibrant as ever throughout Major League Baseball. I am proud that the number 42, which has come to stand for Jackie's courage and grace, will again be worn in honor of our game’s greatest pioneer.”

“Jack loved the game of baseball and the tremendous power it had and still has to bring people together,” said Rachel Robinson, Jackie’s wife and Founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. “I believe he would have found Major League Baseball’s decision to perpetually honor his legacy in this way both gratifying and humbling.”

‘IAM42’ (www.IAM42.com) is a new digital campaign designed for fans to make a personal connection to the legacy of Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson through online video sharing and social networking via Twitter and Facebook. IAM42.com features personal video tributes from more than 60 current players and legends to honor the 64th Anniversary of Robinson’s historic moment, including Baseball Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Lou Brock and Andre Dawson; and MLB All-Stars Jason Heyward, Prince Fielder, David Price, Mariano Rivera and David Wright. Launching on Jackie Robinson Day, fans of all ages are encouraged to share their thoughts on the enduring impact of Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier. The site will be updated throughout the year, in the lead-up to the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, April 15, 2012. ‘IAM42.com’ is the latest MLB initiative aimed at educating all fans about Jackie Robinson and supporting his enduring legacy, joining Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI); Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life; Diverse Business Partners; and the MLB Urban Youth Academies. IAM42.com is powered by MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball.

I did a quick look at iam42.com and noticed a video from Matt Kemp as well as Slappy McPopup himself, former Dodger Juan Pierre (and former Dodger Mike Scioscia, too). And, there's a bug in the upper right corner allowing visitors to donate to the Jackie Robinson Foundation--which I have done myself, by the way. It's a great charitable cause.

Always a good time to take a moment and remember all Jackie Robinson, the most famous Dodger of them all, did for the sport of baseball and for society.

6 comments:

Kyle Baker said...

Here's to Jackie today and every day.

#42

MeanieBreanie said...

What a wonderful tribute for a baseball legend and man who opened doors for so many.

Kyle Baker said...

I somehow didn't end up buying tickets for tonight's game. Should I stay or should I go? Tired, but don't want to miss it...

Fred's Brim said...

Go, DB, go!!

MeanieBreanie said...

DB, the day is early. You will get your second wind. GO!

rbnlaw said...

My money is on #42 tonight.

As I say every year; Jackie, Vin, The Duke, Fernando, Nomo, The Infield, etc. is what makes being a Dodger fan special.

Our team has tradition, has made history, has inspired change. Let's see the Angels pull that one off.

Win for Jackie!