DETROIT- On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball during his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. As a way of celebrating the momentous and historic event, and keeping the memory of Robinson alive, the Tigers host an annual art, essay and poetry contest in his honor to celebrate Robinson's nine values of success: Courage, Determination, Teamwork, Persistence, Integrity, Citizenship, Justice, Commitment, and Excellence.
Now through March 6, middle school and high school students throughout the state of Michigan may enter the contest by submitting an original work of art, an essay or a poem in honor of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson.
Contest criteria:
ART: Create an artistic expression that captures the spirit of one or more of Jackie Robinson's nine values: works of art may include a painting, drawing, or rendering.
ESSAY: Write an essay about a barrier that you have faced. Explain how you faced this barrier by using one or more of Jackie Robinson's nine values. Each essay should be at least 200 words long and not exceed 700 words in length, typewritten, single spaced, and limited to one page. Essays will be evaluated based on creativity, rhythm and flow of language, organization, attitude, personality, character, and the technique used to convey meaning. All essays must be factual and based on the student's real-life experience. Fictional stories will be disqualified.
POETRY: Write a poem that explores one or more of Jackie Robinson's nine values. Each poem should be typewritten, double-spaced and limited to one page.
To enter, contestants must submit an original piece of art, an essay or poem by 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2016. An official entry form must accompany each submission. Items may be mailed or delivered to: 
Detroit Tigers, Inc.
Attn: Sam Abrams
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
For more information, including the official entry form, visit tigers.com/education or call Sam Abrams at 313-471-2363.
Submissions that meet the requirements for MLB's 2016 Breaking Barriers Essay Contest will be forwarded on behalf of the Tigers for consideration. For more information regarding MLB contest details, visit mlb.com/breakingbarriers.