NEW YORK – The Yankees' clubhouse was filled with fresh pinstriped jerseys hanging in each locker on Wednesday afternoon, all embroidered with Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 in Dodgers blue as Major League Baseball honored the life and legacy of the barrier-breaking legend.
One Yankee showcased a customized tribute during batting practice: catcher J.C. Escarra, who sported a chest protector that doubled as a history lesson.
Jackie Robinson Day coverage presented by Capital One
• How MLB is commemorating Jackie Robinson Day
• On this annual day of celebration, 'We Are Jackie'
• Top 10 Jackie Robinson Day moments
• A few words from Jackie inspired this former MLB star for life
• 10 significant moments from Jackie's life
• How Jackie's on-field dominance helped lead him to Hall
• Why does Jackie have two Hall of Fame plaques?
• This is what it was like to wear No. 42 every day
• Each club's last player to wear the iconic No. 42
• Robinson Foundation Scholars reinvigorated by visit to MLB HQ
Imprinted with the words “Breaking Barriers” and No. 42, Escarra’s gear featured a collage of photographs from Robinson’s life and career, including images of Robinson's early days with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues.
There were also images of Robinson receiving a Spring Training throw at second base, in the Dodgers dugout alongside teammates, sliding into home plate and even exchanging greetings with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – another civil rights icon.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that he is “proud” to be part of a sport associated with Robinson’s legacy.
“It’s just really cool that our sport opened up a lot of doors, not only in other sports but in a way of life,” Boone said. “I’ve watched all the things about Jackie, and you hear all the stories. The things he had to endure and go through, and he did it with amazing grace.”
Boone said he believes Robinson’s story still makes an impact with today’s players.
“You look at the diversity now of our game, as far as it being worldwide,” Boone said. “Jackie was the start of opening those doors, not just to Black players, but Latin America. Now we have people from all over the globe playing, and Jackie was the start of that.”
As part of the league-wide celebration, the Yankees hosted more than 100 mid and senior leaders on Wednesday for a New York Urban League Non-Profit Leadership Summit at Yankee Stadium, a program focused on “Advancing Leadership, Equity and Impact."