I was at last year’s Jackie Robinson Day at Shea Stadium, and let me tell you, it’s not easy to pick out your favorite player when everyone is wearing 42.
The Mets will be front and center on Jackie Robinson Day, as much of the pre-game activity will focus on the dedication of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda in the new Citi Field, which happened earlier today.
From a Mets press release:
Rachel Robinson, the New York Mets, Citi, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Major League Baseball, and government leaders today dedicated the iconic Jackie Robinson Rotunda at Citi Field on the 62nd anniversary of Jackie becoming the first African-American player in the sport's modern era to break Major League Baseball's color barrier.
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Engraved into the Rotunda's 160-foot diameter floor and etched into its 70-foot archways are words and larger-than-life images that defined Jackie's "nine values" as articulated by Sharon Robinson, Jackie's and Rachel's daughter and Foundation Vice Chair: Courage, Excellence, Persistence, Justice, Teamwork, Commitment, Citizenship, Determination, and Integrity. The Rotunda features an eight-foot sculpture of Jackie's number 42, which in 1997, was retired in perpetuity throughout Major League Baseball.
David Wright will pay special tribute to Robinson with a specially designed cleat, according to Amazin’ Stories.
As part of Major League Baseball’s annual “Jackie Robinson Day” tribute, several Nike baseball athletes will take to the diamond in a uniquely designed cleat that features an engraving of Robinson’s iconic image sliding into home plate as well as his number ‘42’ stitched on each heel.
It’s a great tribute to a great man who single handedly changed the game of baseball.