D-backs to celebrate life of Jackie Robinson

PHOENIX -- April 15 is Jackie Robinson Day throughout Major League Baseball, and the D-backs will celebrate Robinson's life with a series of events when they play host to the Mets on Tuesday night.

The celebration actually began Friday when the D-backs became the first team to host a pair of Negro Leagues Baseball Museum travel exhibits called "They Were All-Stars" and "Times, Teams and Talent." The two exhibits will be on display throughout the six-game homestand.

On Tuesday, the D-backs will recognize an Arizona Jackie Robinson Foundation scholar, Lucia Carbajal, and the Major League Baseball All-Star Arizona Diamondbacks Branch Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Edreyse Sharkey, during a special pregame ceremony.

The D-backs will contribute $4,200 -- in honor of Robinson's No. 42 -- to both the Jackie Robinson Foundation and MLB All-Star Arizona Diamondbacks Branch Boys & Girls Club.

In addition, several Jackie Robinson cards and Negro League All-Star baseball cards from D-backs managing general partner Ken Kendrick's renowned collection will be on display next to the traveling exhibits.

D-backs team president and CEO Derrick Hall serves on the On-Field Diversity Task Force that was established by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to focus on the myriad of issues influencing on-field diversity at all levels of baseball.