ARLINGTON -- Jackie Robinson Day is circled on the calendar of Rangers center fielder Delino DeShields.
Like every player, coach and manager on Friday, DeShields will wear No. 42 in honor of Robinson's first game on April 15, 1947.
"For me and a lot of guys in here, Jackie getting accepted and having the opportunity to play in the big leagues … he opened the door for minorities in the big leagues," DeShields said. "He did a lot for this game. He's opened a lot of doors in general and gave us confidence that anything is possible.
"Wearing the No. 42 on the back will be something special."
Among those who also walked through the door was DeShields' father, who instilled in the son the story of Robinson.
"My dad had me on Jackie … books, pictures in my room growing up," said DeShields. "I've known a lot about Jackie since a very young age."