Farrell: Robinson Day 'one of great days'

NEW YORK -- When the Red Sox open their three-game series in Chicago on Tuesday night, every player on both sides will wear No. 42 in the annual recognition of "Jackie Robinson Day" in Major League Baseball.

"I think it's one of the great days we celebrate during any season," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "A tribute to Jackie and the challenges he went through. All, personally, that I can do is read about it. I have no idea the challenges he faced and the strength he demonstrated every day he walked on the field.

"The fact that we retire that number across the game is worthy, to say the least. And I think everything that can be done, not only to increase the number of African-Americans but every race, every nationality, that has an interest in this game. This is a game that's grown globally, and it should include all."

There has been a decrease of African-American players in recent years. Farrell is glad to see MLB be proactive in trying to turn the numbers back in the other direction.

"There's a lot of steps being taken to include every athlete that wants to play the game. The RBI program is one that's trying to tap into the abilities and the talents in the inner city," Farrell said. "I do know that baseball competes with every other sport to recruit African-American athletes. This is a trend that has gained a lot of attention over a number of years, that is trying to be reversed by baseball. To say there's any one specific reason to why is hard to say, at this point. But you'd like to see that trend be reversed."