Blue Jays honour 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s MLB debut during tonight’s home game
The Toronto Blue Jays today announce celebrations honouring the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s MLB debut, which broke the league’s modern era colour barrier. Blue Jays fans are invited to celebrate his legacy at tonight’s game (Friday, April 15, 7:07 p.m. first pitch vs. the Oakland Athletics) for Jackie Robinson Night at Rogers Centre, including the following special tributes:
- The first 15,000 fans receive a Jackie Robinson t-shirt upon entry, to commemorate the milestone. In-game features will highlight the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson.
- In honour of Jackie Robinson’s historic 75th anniversary milestone, Jays Care Foundation and the Toronto Blue Jays are proud to award a $5,000 scholarship to support an inspiring young Black leader in Toronto, as they pursue their academic goals in post-secondary education.
- The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by the recipient of the Jays Care x Blue Jays Jackie Robinson Scholarship, Delano Anderson, a long-time youth coach and Jays Care program leader who has led a variety of programs for children living in Toronto Community Housing. Delano will be attending York University for Urban Studies in September.
- On Friday, Rogers Centre’s WestJet Flight Deck will have an exhibition of artifacts from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, including photos of Jackie Robinson and Negro League memorabilia, as well as additional art and displays for fans to explore.
- Beginning on Monday, April 18 and running through Monday, April 25, the Blue Jays are hosting an online authentics auction (bluejays.com/auction) with proceeds benefitting Jays Care programs. The auction will include:
- Three game-used bases
- 42 Jackie Robinson Day locker nameplates from players and coaches
- In addition, four different art pieces commemorating Jackie Robinson, created by Toronto-based Black artists Lance Freeman and Kal Romain will be auctioned at the annual Jays Care Curve Ball Gala on Thursday, May 19 with proceeds supporting Jays Care’s inclusive programming.