Published 02/01/2023, 2:35 PM EST
Baseball has seen numerous legends over the years, many of them being game-changers. But Jackie Robinson was perhaps one of the greatest to ever set foot in a ballpark. Robinson was the first African-American man to play in the MLB in the modern era. He paved the way for African-American men to play baseball in the Major Leagues and revolutionized the sport.
Furthermore, he was an extremely gifted baseball player. During his 10-year career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson picked up a number of accolades and awards. For years, athletes and celebrities have respected and honored his legacy. Most recently a tennis star shared a message honoring Robinson on his birthday.
Billie Jean King honored Jackie Robinson on his 104th birthday
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Although Jackie Robinson passed away in 1972, people are celebrating his legacy even today. On Robinson’s birthday, tennis icon Billie Jean King honored him in a Twitter post. King shared a special message for him and listed a number of his most iconic achievements.
In the Tweet, King said, “Jackie Robinson was born today in 1919. Almost 76 years ago, he broke baseball’s color barrier & forever changed the game. His bravery, perseverance, & talent carried him through tremendous obstacles, & to honor him, #MLB retired #42 for all teams. Happy birthday, Jackie.”
Baseball fans have been reacting to the post and sharing their wishes for the MLB legend. Some simply wished him while others recalled some of his greatest achievements.
Baseball fans will never forget what Robinson did for the game, both on and off the field. His legacy continues to live on through the countless baseball players that have come after him. Furthermore, the League has done its part to keep his legacy and achievements alive, by commemorating the, ‘Jackie Robinson Day’.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
What has the League done to honor Robinson’s achievements?
The League, its top brass, and players across the country do their part in honoring Jackie Robinson. MLB retired his #42 jersey leaguewide in 1997, an ultimate show of respect. Furthermore, 15th April, the day that Robinson debuted, is now celebrated as Jackie Robinson Day in the MLB. As reported by the official MLB website, the League also celebrates him by requesting that “every player and all on-field personnel wear his No. 42 during games scheduled on Jackie Robinson Day”.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The MLB even paid tribute to him on the 75th anniversary of his MLB debut. Robinson may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. What do you think of Billie Jean King’s special message for Jackie Robinson?
Watch this story: Top 5 horrific and life-threatening MLB injuries