Normally for the Game Thread we'd be playing off some seemingly clever pun on Taijuan's name, perhaps playing off a mashup of Taiwan and Tijuana, in search of a laugh. Tonight, however, we strike a more somber and respectful tone as we celebrate Jackie Robinson Day and as Dodger Stadium hosts MLB's annual Civil Rights Game.
Sixty-eight years ago today, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the modern era of baseball. Appropriately, MLB honors that legacy each year on this date and we here at Sons pay our respect as well.
It should be a great celebration at Dodger Stadium, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in attendance along with Jackie's wife, Rachel, and daughter, Sharon, and Frank Robinson, who became baseball's first African-American manager 40 years ago this month. It's not lost on us that visiting Mariners' manager Lloyd McClendon is an African-American whose path was paved by both Jackie and Frank Robinson. Other pre-game appearances will include Sandy Koufax, Don Newcombe, Joni Campanella (Roy's daughter), and scholars from the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
It's always a proud moment to look down at the players all wearing number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day, then look up at the team's retired numbers and see that #42, and know that Jackie was OUR number 42, so take a moment tonight to take that in and pay respect to Jackie's lasting legacy. Here's to you, Mr. Robinson, for what you did and all you had to endure.
Oh good lord you didn't think we'd break the boobs streak, didja?
